PHQ-4 – Ultra-brief anxiety and depression screening

The established four-item screening combining GAD-2 and PHQ-2: two minutes, two subscales and a total score from 0 to 12 – public domain and validated in many languages.

Start for free Try the template live

The live demo opens the real questionnaire — no signup required.

PHQ-4 – Ultra-brief anxiety and depression screening – questionnaire preview

The PHQ-4 by Kroenke, Spitzer, Williams and Löwe combines the two core items of the GAD-7 (anxiety) with the two core items of the PHQ-9 (depression) into an ultra-brief screening. Four statements, a four-point frequency scale, a total score from 0 to 12 – plus two subscales of 0 to 6 each that count as elevated from three points upwards. The PHQ instruments are public domain and may be used, translated and distributed without a licence fee. As a self-check the PHQ-4 fits wherever a low-threshold entry point matters: workplace health management, occupational health care and preparing for a consultation.

When should you use this template?

This template is a great fit for:

  • As a low-threshold self-check in workplace health management
  • To prepare for an occupational health or counselling conversation
  • As a repeatable progress check before and after workload interventions

Every question in this template

  1. 1

    I understand that participation is voluntary and anonymous, and I take part. *

    Consent
    Agreement required
  2. 2

    Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems? *

    For each statement, please choose the answer that fits best.

    Matrix
    Not at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day
    Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge
    Not being able to stop or control worrying
    Little interest or pleasure in doing things
    Feeling down, depressed or hopeless
  3. 3

    Is there anything you would like to add for a consultation? (optional)

    Long text

Related survey templates

Browse all survey templates →

Frequently asked questions

How is the PHQ-4 scored?
Each of the four items counts 0 (“not at all”) to 3 (“nearly every day”). Items 1–2 form the anxiety subscale (GAD-2), items 3–4 the depression subscale (PHQ-2) – 0–6 points each, elevated from 3. The total score ranges from 0 to 12 and is classified as none/minimal (0–2), mild (3–5), moderate (6–8) and severe (9–12).
Is the PHQ-4 free to use?
Yes. The PHQ instruments were developed with a grant from Pfizer and are in the public domain; no permission is required to reproduce, translate or distribute them. Citing the source is good practice.
Does the result replace a diagnosis?
No. The PHQ-4 is a self-report screening. It indicates whether a closer look is warranted – the assessment itself belongs in a medical or psychological consultation.

Start with this template

Load the template into DataLion, adapt it to your brand and start collecting responses — GDPR-compliant, in minutes.

Start for free Try the template live