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 $0.00, if and when you want it.
What this test measures
D
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.
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
One at a time, scale of 1 to 5. 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 ($0.00) |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
- ✓Interpretive text per dimension, generated from your answers
- ✓Raw score for each dimension
- ✓One-paragraph overview reading
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.
- D
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.
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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Start for free →PHQ-2: Ultra-Brief Depression Screener
No signup, no time limit. The Partial is free at the end.
The Complete costs $0.00, 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.