---
title: "PHQ-4"
description: "A four item self-report questionnaire made up of two items from the PHQ-9 ([q.v.](https://www.psyctc.org/psyctc/glossary2/phq-9-patient-health-questionnaire-9-items/)) and two from the GAD-7 (the two that make up the GAD-2, [q.v.](https://www.psyctc.org/psyctc/glossary2/gad-2/)). First described in Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB, Löwe B. An ultra-brief…"
url: "https://www.psyctc.org/psyctc/glossary2/phq-4/"
updated: "2026-06-01"
category: All OM book glossary entries
---

# PHQ-4

A four item self-report questionnaire made up of two items from the PHQ-9 ([q.v.](https://www.psyctc.org/psyctc/glossary2/phq-9-patient-health-questionnaire-9-items/)) and two from the GAD-7 (the two that make up the GAD-2, [q.v.](https://www.psyctc.org/psyctc/glossary2/gad-2/)). First described in Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB, Löwe B. An ultra-brief screening scale for anxiety and depression: the PHQ-4. Psychosomatics. 2009;50(6):613-21. From Principles of Neuropathic Pain Assessment and Management, November 2011.

#### Details

We really have to get more thoughtful about the many, many caveats and concerns about screening with self-report measures (or any measures) in the mental health field, and about the rush to shorter and shorter questionnaires and particularly about the issues around hoping to screen well with ultra short measures. Hm, I've got work to do!!

#### Try also

- [GAD-2](https://www.psyctc.org/psyctc/glossary2/gad-2/)
- [GAD-7](https://www.psyctc.org/psyctc/glossary2/gad-7-general-anxiety-disorder-7/)
- [PHQ-9](https://www.psyctc.org/psyctc/glossary2/phq-9-patient-health-questionnaire-9-items/)
- [Screening](https://www.psyctc.org/psyctc/glossary2/screening/)

#### Chapters

Not covered in the OMbook.

#### Online resources

Currently one of [my shiny apps](https://shiny.psyctc.org) models screening: [https://shiny.psyctc.org/apps/Screening/](https://shiny.psyctc.org/apps/Screening/). More to be done on that!

#### Dates

First created 25.iv.26, link to GAD-7 added 26.iv.26 and links to GAD-2 added 24.v.26.