PHQ-2 Depression Calculator
Quick 2-question depression screening tool for initial mental health assessment
PHQ-2 Depression Screening
Instructions
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems? Choose the answer that best describes your experience.
1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things
2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
PHQ-2 Results
Enter responses to get results
Complete both questions to receive your PHQ-2 depression screening results.
⚠️ Important Medical Disclaimer
This is a screening tool only and cannot diagnose depression. A positive screen indicates the need for further evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
If you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek immediate help:
- Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) in the US
- Go to your nearest emergency room
- Call emergency services (911)
PHQ-2 Score Interpretation
0-2 points: Low likelihood of depression
3-6 points: Positive screen - further evaluation recommended
Cutoff: A score of 3 or higher indicates a positive screen for depression
Example Assessment
Case Example
Patient responses:
• Little interest or pleasure in doing things: "Several days" (1 point)
• Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless: "Nearly every day" (3 points)
PHQ-2 Score: 4 points
Interpretation
Result: Positive screen for depression
Major Depression LR: 10.3 (10x higher risk than general population)
Recommendation: Refer for comprehensive mental health evaluation
About PHQ-2
Quick Screening
2-question initial screening tool
Evidence-Based
Validated in medical literature
Primary Care
Designed for healthcare settings
Crisis Resources
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988
24/7 crisis support
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
24/7 text support
Emergency
911
Immediate emergency help
Depression Facts
Depression affects 1 in 15 adults annually
1 in 6 people experience depression in their lifetime
Leading cause of disability worldwide
Highly treatable with proper care
Early detection improves outcomes
Understanding PHQ-2 Depression Screening
What is the PHQ-2?
The Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) is a brief, validated screening tool designed to identify individuals who may be experiencing depression. It consists of just two questions focusing on the core symptoms of major depression: anhedonia (loss of interest) and depressed mood.
Why Use PHQ-2?
- •Quick and easy to administer (30 seconds)
- •High sensitivity for detecting depression
- •Widely validated in primary care settings
- •Cost-effective screening method
Interpreting Results
Score Ranges
- 0-2: Low likelihood of depression
- 3-6: Positive screen for depression
Understanding Statistics
- Likelihood Ratio (LR): How much the test result changes the probability of having depression
- Positive Predictive Value (PPV): Probability that you have depression given a positive test
- LR > 1: Increases probability of depression
- LR < 1: Decreases probability of depression
Remember: PHQ-2 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A positive result indicates the need for further clinical evaluation.
What is Depression?
Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. It's characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities.
Common Symptoms Include:
- • Persistent sadness or empty mood
- • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- • Significant weight changes or appetite changes
- • Sleep disturbances
- • Fatigue or loss of energy
- • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- • Difficulty concentrating
- • Thoughts of death or suicide
When to Seek Help
Seek Immediate Help If:
- • Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- • Unable to care for yourself
- • Experiencing psychotic symptoms
- • Severe impairment in daily functioning
Consider Professional Help If:
- • Symptoms persist for 2+ weeks
- • Interfering with work or relationships
- • Not improving with self-care
- • Family history of depression
Good News: Depression is highly treatable with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Most people see significant improvement with proper treatment.