BSN Tracker

Assessment Tool: PHQ-2

Ask the patient both questions about the past 2 weeks. A positive screen (score ≥ 3) should prompt administration of the full PHQ-9 and a comprehensive mental health assessment.

Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2)

A two-item ultra-brief depression screener used as a first-step case-finding tool. Score ≥ 3 is the recommended cut point for positive screen, prompting completion of the full PHQ-9. Developed by Kroenke, Spitzer, and Williams (2003).

Administration: Ask the patient: "Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?"
1. Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by: Little interest or pleasure in doing things
2. Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by: Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
A positive PHQ-2 screen does not confirm a diagnosis of depression. Always conduct a comprehensive clinical assessment and administer the PHQ-9 if the PHQ-2 is positive.