PHQ-2: Ultra-Brief Depression ScreenerPHQ-2
~1 min · 2 questions · Free partial report
A 2-item ultra-brief depression screening tool that assesses the frequency of depressed mood and anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure) over the past 2 weeks. The PHQ-2 is used as a first-step screening — a positive result suggests follow-up with the full PHQ-9.
An ultra-brief 2-item depression screener that assesses the two cardinal symptoms of depression in under one minute.
- Quickly screen for the two cardinal symptoms of depression: depressed mood and loss of interest or pleasure. The PHQ-2 serves as a gateway screener to identify individuals who may benefit from a more thorough evaluation.
No signup required to start. The Partial Report is free at the end. The Complete costs $6.90, if and when you want it.
What this test measures
Depression
Tendency to feel sad, dejected, and discouraged. High scorers lack energy and have difficulty initiating activities; low scorers are free from persistent depressive feelings.
Negative
Positive
Your result falls into one of these bands.
Discover where you stand on each dimension.
Start for free →No prior signup. Free partial result immediately.
From first click to report.
The process is simple: you respond, the system calculates, and the result appears. No prior signup, no form, no waiting.
- 1
Click "Start for free"
No signup required to start. You identify yourself at the end, when you want to save the result. The test opens immediately.
- 2
Answer the questions
Likert 4-point scale (Not at all — Nearly every day). Visible progress bar. You can pause and resume from any device after identifying yourself.
- 3
Get the Partial Report
Immediate and free. A text summary of each dimension, with indication of high, medium, or low.
- 4
Decide if you want the Complete
The Partial already delivers value. The Complete adds percentiles, norm comparison, charts, applied recommendations, and a verifiable Certificate.
- 5
Explore in the Integrative Chat
Talk to an AI about your results. Ask how your profile applies to your career, what a high score means, or compare with other tests.
The Partial is yours right away. The Complete, when it makes sense.
| Free and paid, side by side | Partial Report (free, always) | Complete Report ($6.90) |
|---|---|---|
| Interpretive text per dimension, generated from your answers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Raw score for each dimension | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-paragraph overview reading | ✓ | ✓ |
| Everything in the Partial, expanded to 3–5 paragraphs per dimension | — | ✓ |
| Percentile per dimension, compared to reference norms | — | ✓ |
| Inter-dimensional chart with accessible data table | — | ✓ |
| Applied recommendations: career, relationships, self-care | — | ✓ |
| Certificate with public verification and PDF download | — | ✓ |
- ✓Everything in the Partial, expanded to 3–5 paragraphs per dimension
- ✓Percentile per dimension, compared to reference norms
- ✓Applied recommendations: career, relationships, self-care
- ✓Certificate with public verification and PDF download
You only pay after completing the test, if you want to go beyond the Partial.
Payment via PIX (instant) or credit card. Access for 1 year. After that, the report stays visible in read-only mode.
Why trust this instrument.
The PHQ-2 (Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams, 2003) assesses the frequency of depressed mood and anhedonia — the two cardinal symptoms of major depression per DSM-IV. Each item is scored 0-3, yielding a total score of 0-6. A score of 3 or higher has demonstrated 83% sensitivity and 92% specificity for major depression, making it an effective first-step screener that can be followed by the full PHQ-9.
- Authors:
- Kroenke, Spitzer, & Williams
- Year:
- 2003
- Origin:
- US
- Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. W. (2003). The Patient Health Questionnaire-2: Validity of a two-item depression screener. Medical Care, 41(11), 1284-1292.
The theory behind this test.
PRIME-MD / PHQ Clinical Screening Framework
Clinical screening framework derived from the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD). Operationalizes DSM-IV diagnostic criteria into brief self-report screeners for depression (PHQ-9/PHQ-2), anxiety (GAD-7), somatization (PHQ-15), and other conditions. Not a diagnostic system — designed to identify probable cases for clinical follow-up.
Learn more about this theory →Target Audience
Adults (18+) who want a quick initial depression check
Recommended ages: 18+
Questions the report answers.
Are the core symptoms of depression present?
A score of 3 or higher suggests a positive screen for depression and warrants follow-up with the PHQ-9 or clinical evaluation. The two items capture depressed mood and anhedonia, the cardinal features of major depression.
Who benefits most.
Quick-check users
People who want a 1-minute check on whether they might be experiencing depression, as a gateway to more thorough assessment.
Wellness program participants
Individuals in workplace or community wellness programs where an ultra-brief screen is the first step in a stepped-care approach.
Busy people doing a first check
People short on time or energy who want a two-question screen to decide whether the full PHQ-9 is worth taking today.
Frequently asked questions
What does this test measure?
It screens for the two core symptoms of depression: depressed mood and anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure in activities).
How long does it take?
Less than 1 minute — it has only 2 items.
Is this test scientifically validated?
Yes. The PHQ-2 has a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 92% for major depression at a cutoff score of 3 (Kroenke et al., 2003).
What should I do after taking this?
If you score 3 or higher, we recommend taking the full PHQ-9 for a more detailed assessment. A low score is reassuring but does not rule out depression entirely.
Combine instruments for a fuller profile.
Each test measures different dimensions. The Integrative Chat crosses the results of all tests you complete, revealing connections no single instrument can show.
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~4 min·15 questions
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Start for free →Flourishing Assessment
~7 min·23 questions
Measure your overall well-being across the five pillars of flourishing.
Start for free →PHQ-2: Ultra-Brief Depression Screener
No signup, no time limit. The Partial is free at the end.
The Complete costs $6.90, if and when you want it.
This test is a self-knowledge tool for informational purposes. It does not constitute a psychological or clinical diagnosis and does not replace evaluation by a qualified professional. The report indicates the AI model used in text generation.
The PHQ-2 was developed by Drs. Kroenke, Spitzer, and Williams with an educational grant from Pfizer Inc. No permission is required to reproduce, translate, display, or distribute.