The PHQ-2 inquires about the frequency of depressed mood and anhedonia over the past two weeks. The PHQ-2 includes the first two items of the PHQ-9.
The purpose of the PHQ-2 is to screen for depression in a “first-step” approach.
Patients who screen positive should be further evaluated with the PHQ-9 to determine whether they meet criteria for a depressive disorder.
Interpretation
A PHQ-2 score ranges from 0-6. The authors identified a score of 3 as the optimal cutpoint when using the PHQ-2 to screen for depression.
If the score is 3 or greater, major depressive disorder is likely.
Patients who screen positive should be further evaluated with the PHQ-9, other diagnostic instruments, or direct interview to determine whether they meet criteria for a depressive disorder.