Depression Screening by PHQ-2 Calculator

Answer the two standard PHQ-2 questions about the last 2 weeks to get your 0-6 score and see whether it meets the clinical cutoff for further evaluation.

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?

Quick Facts

Scoring
Each item: 0-3
Not at all = 0, Several days = 1, More than half the days = 2, Nearly every day = 3.
Total score
Sum of both items, range 0-6
PHQ-2 = first two questions of the longer PHQ-9 questionnaire.
Standard cutoff
Score ≥ 3
Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams (2003): ~83% sensitivity, ~92% specificity for major depression at this cutoff.

Your Results

Calculated
Total PHQ-2 Score
-
Sum of both items (0-6)
Screening Result
-
Cutoff is a score of 3 or higher
Interpretation
-
Based on the validated cutoff
Suggested Next Step
-
Educational guidance, not a diagnosis

Ready

Answer both questions, then press Calculate.

Formula and Method for the PHQ-2 Depression Screen

The PHQ-2 (Patient Health Questionnaire-2) is a brief, validated depression screening tool developed by Kroenke, Spitzer, and Williams (2003) as a shortened version of the 9-item PHQ-9. It asks about the two core symptoms of major depressive disorder over the last 2 weeks: (1) little interest or pleasure in doing things (anhedonia), and (2) feeling down, depressed, or hopeless. Each item is scored 0 to 3, and the two scores are added together for a total ranging from 0 to 6.

How the calculation works

Select how often each symptom applied to you over the past two weeks: Not at all (0), Several days (1), More than half the days (2), or Nearly every day (3). The calculator adds the two item scores together for a Total PHQ-2 Score from 0-6. A total score of 3 or higher is the standard, widely-cited cutoff for a positive screen — in the original validation study this threshold identified major depressive disorder with about 83% sensitivity and 92% specificity. Scores of 0-2 are generally considered a negative screen.

Common mistakes

  • Using the wrong time frame: the PHQ-2 specifically asks about the last 2 weeks, not "in general" or "today" — a longer or shorter window changes what the score means.
  • Treating a positive screen as a diagnosis: a score of 3 or higher means depression is more likely and further evaluation is warranted, not that major depressive disorder is confirmed.
  • Skipping follow-up after a positive score: a positive PHQ-2 should be followed by the full PHQ-9 or a clinical interview to assess the remaining DSM-5 criteria and severity.

When to consult a professional

This calculator is an educational screening aid, not a diagnostic tool or a substitute for professional medical advice. If your score is 3 or higher, if you selected "Nearly every day" on either item, or if you have any thoughts of self-harm, talk to a doctor, mental health professional, or contact a crisis line right away — in the US, you can call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PHQ-2 depression screening tool?
The PHQ-2 (Patient Health Questionnaire-2) is a brief, validated screening instrument made up of the first two items of the PHQ-9. It asks how often, over the last two weeks, you have been bothered by (1) little interest or pleasure in doing things and (2) feeling down, depressed, or hopeless, each scored 0-3, for a total score of 0-6.
What PHQ-2 score is considered positive for depression?
A total score of 3 or higher is the standard cutoff, based on the original validation study by Kroenke, Spitzer, and Williams (2003), which found this threshold to have about 83% sensitivity and 92% specificity for major depressive disorder. A score at or above 3 suggests further evaluation, typically with the full PHQ-9 or a clinical interview.
Does a positive PHQ-2 score mean I have depression?
No. The PHQ-2 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. A score of 3 or higher means depression is more likely and further evaluation is recommended — it does not by itself confirm a diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
How is the PHQ-2 different from the PHQ-9?
The PHQ-2 uses only the first two of the nine PHQ-9 items as a quick initial screen. The full PHQ-9 covers all nine DSM-5 criteria for depression and produces a 0-27 severity score, which is used to assess symptom severity and monitor treatment once a screen is positive.

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