Brief low mood screen (PHQ-2)
Recent mood and interest in two questions. Answer the app’s questionnaire and see your result right away.
Source · Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JBW. The Patient Health Questionnaire-2: validity of a two-item depression screener. Med Care. 2003;41(11):1284–1292. Distributed by Pfizer.
PHQ-2: a two-question first check
The PHQ-2 is an ultra-brief depression screen made of the first two PHQ-9 questions; Kroenke, Spitzer and Williams published its validation in 2003. It asks about the two core experiences of depression: feeling down or hopeless, and having little interest or pleasure in doing things. You rate how often each bothered you over the last two weeks.
Reading your results
Each question scores 0–3 for a total of 0–6. The result screen shows 0–2 as below the screening threshold and 3–6 as further assessment suggested. At 3 or more, continuing with the PHQ-9 lets you look at sleep, appetite, concentration and more. Two questions do not decide whether depression is present; a diagnosis is made in a clinical conversation.
| Score | Result range |
|---|---|
| 0–2 | Below screening threshold |
| 3–6 | Further assessment suggested |
A question to reflect on
See which of the two questions you rated higher. If it was mood, note the time of day you felt lowest. If it was interest, note one thing you used to enjoy that you have not reached for lately.
Frequently asked questions
- How many questions are in Brief low mood screen (PHQ-2), and how long does it take?
- There are 2 questions, and it usually takes about 1 minute. For each question you choose one of 4 answers, from “Not at all” to “Nearly every day”. There are no right or wrong answers.
- Does a low PHQ-2 score mean I'm not depressed?
- It only covers low mood and loss of interest. If other changes like sleep or energy concern you, the PHQ-9 gives a broader picture.
- I scored 3. What next?
- That is in the 'further assessment suggested' range. Try the PHQ-9 next, and consider bringing the results to a professional.
- Why is it so short?
- It was designed for quick first checks in settings with little time. The PHQ-9 provides the fuller detail.
- What does my Brief low mood screen (PHQ-2) score mean?
- On this Brief low mood screen (PHQ-2) check, the result screen reads 0–2 below screening threshold, 3–6 further assessment suggested. A score is a starting point for reflection and conversation, not a diagnosis.
- Do I need to sign in? Are my answers saved?
- You can see your results right away without signing in. Your answers are used only for scoring and are not stored on our servers.
- Can I bring these results into a counseling session?
- Use the analysis button at the bottom of the result screen to have a short conversation with Maeumi without signing in. After the conversation, you can continue in the app. The web conversation does not transfer automatically to the app.
- Can I share my results with a friend?
- Yes. Use Share at the top right of the result screen to send a friend the check itself, or share your result as a link or story image. A result link carries your scores inside the address only; it does not include your name or account, and nothing is saved on our side.