How to Use PHQ-2 Depression Screening Calculator
The PHQ-2 Depression Screening Calculator scores two depression screening questions. For each question, choose how often the symptom occurred: not at all, several days, more than half the days, or nearly every day. The calculator adds the two scores and displays a total from 0 to 6.
The result also shows whether the score is in a low-risk band or whether further evaluation is suggested. This mirrors the PHQ-2 role as a brief first-step screen. It is not meant to measure full depression severity or replace a clinical interview.
If the result is elevated, the appropriate next step is usually a fuller assessment such as PHQ-9 or evaluation by a qualified professional. If someone has thoughts of self-harm, immediate support is more important than any calculator result.
Formula & Theory - PHQ-2 Depression Screening Calculator
The PHQ-2 Depression Screening Calculator uses:
PHQ-2 total score = question 1 score + question 2 scoreEach item is scored:
0 = not at all
1 = several days
2 = more than half the days
3 = nearly every dayThe total range is:
0 to 6 pointsIn many screening workflows, 3 or more prompts additional assessment.
Use Cases for PHQ-2 Depression Screening Calculator
The PHQ-2 Depression Screening Calculator is useful for mental health education, intake workflow demonstrations, primary-care screening examples, and helping users understand how brief symptom questionnaires are scored.
It should be used sensitively. Screening tools can support conversations, but diagnosis and care planning require context, clinical judgment, and attention to safety.