Scale Overview & Construct
2-item ultra-brief depression screening tool, using the first two items of the PHQ-9. A score of 3 or more suggests a positive screen for depression warranting further follow-up.
Purpose & Measurement Objectives
Instrument Specifications
Academic Citation & Instrument Provenance
When referencing this instrument in research, academic theses, or clinical institutional audits, please cite the original author publication:
Governance, Boundaries & Ethical Use
Imported from the OpenScales open item-bank project. This specific digital implementation has not been independently clinically validated by PsiQ — scores are for self-reflection, research, and educational purposes only, and are not a diagnosis. This 2-item screener is intentionally brief; the full PHQ-9 (also on this platform) gives a more complete picture.
License: Pfizer released all PHQ and GAD-7 screeners without copyright restriction (https://www.phqscreeners.com/); this OpenScales digital implementation is licensed CC BY 4.0. Citation: Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. (2003). The Patient Health Questionnaire-2: Validity of a two-item depression screener. Medical Care, 41(11), 1284-1292. This is not a diagnostic tool. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact a licensed mental health professional or a crisis helpline in your country immediately.