Mood Check: WHO-5 Well-Being and PHQ-4 Anxiety and Depression Screen

9 questionsAbout 2 minutes; asks about your last two weeks

213 studiesSystematic review of studies that used the WHO-5

86%Share of depression picked up by the WHO-5 at a cut-off of 50 or below (18 studies); specificity 81%

1,752 peopleTook part in the validation study of the Turkish WHO-5

Let’s do it together

Your last two weeks

First, five questions about your well-being; then four about symptoms of anxiety and depression. For each question, choose the answer closest to how you have felt; there are no right or wrong answers.

Your answers are calculated on this device only and are not sent anywhere.

Well-being Symptoms Within the usual range. In general population studies in Denmark, the average score is about 70. Low. In research, 50 or below is the cut-off at which an assessment for depression is recommended. Very low. In research, this level matches the well-being of patients with major depression. According to the questionnaire’s scoring guidance, answering “Some of the time” or “At no time” to any question is also a sign that a more detailed assessment is worthwhile. Normal Mild Moderate Severe By total score, no or very few symptoms. By total score, mild symptoms. By total score, moderate symptoms. By total score, severe symptoms. Anxiety Depression Your results are within the usual range Keep up the habits that do you good. Mood can change over time; you can check again in two weeks. There are some mild symptoms Try the suggestions below that suit you and check again in two weeks. If symptoms get worse or persist, talk to a doctor. We suggest talking to a professional Your results may call for a more detailed assessment. See a doctor or a mental health professional; if your symptoms are affecting your daily life, don’t wait. In the meantime, the suggestions below may also help. Please seek support soon Your results point to marked symptoms. We suggest you see a doctor or a mental health professional soon. Talk to someone you trust as well; you are not alone. Highlighted subscore of 3 or more: a more detailed assessment is recommended in this area. Saved Your records (on this device only) Date Well-being Symptoms Delete all records Delete all records on this device? meaningful change Mood check It has been two weeks: check your mood again. mood-check.ics

The WHO-5 questions and answer options are taken from the official English version of the questionnaire. The developers of the PHQ-4 do not require permission to reproduce or translate it; the questions are shown in their original English wording.

What is the WHO-5?

A five-question measure of well-being over the last two weeks, developed at the World Health Organization’s collaborating centre in mental health. It has been translated into more than 30 languages; according to a review of 213 studies, it is suitable both for depression screening and for monitoring treatment.

The Turkish version was tested with 1,752 adults and older adults in primary care and showed high reliability.

What is the PHQ-4?

A very short screening questionnaire with two questions on anxiety and two on depression. It was developed with 2,149 patients in 15 primary care clinics in the United States. Higher scores went hand in hand with poorer daily functioning, more disability days and more use of health care.

What do the scores mean?

WHO-5: 51–100Usual range. The population average is about 70.
WHO-5: 50 or belowLow well-being; an assessment for depression is recommended.
WHO-5: 28 or belowMatches the level of well-being in patients with major depression.
WHO-5: a 10-point changeThe difference between two measurements regarded as meaningful.

PHQ-4: 0–2Normal.
PHQ-4: 3–5Mild symptoms.
PHQ-4: 6–8Moderate symptoms.
PHQ-4: 9–12Severe symptoms.
Subscores: 3 or moreOn the first two questions for anxiety, or the last two for depression, a more detailed assessment is recommended.

What the result does and does not tell you

These questionnaires do not diagnose; they show whether a more detailed assessment may be needed. A diagnosis is made in a consultation with a doctor or a mental health professional.

The result reflects only the last two weeks.
Grief, severe stress, lack of sleep or a physical illness can affect the scores.
A high symptom score does not mean there is definitely a problem; nor does a low score guarantee that all is well.
If you feel unwell, talk to a professional whatever your score.

Things that may lift your mood

Exercise for mental healthWhich exercise helps with depression and anxiety, and how much; six movements to do at home.
The 5-minute cyclic sighing breathA short breathing exercise that improves mood, with a timer.
The DOST breakFour steps to being a friend to yourself on a difficult day.
Nature prescriptionA plan for spending 120 minutes a week in nature.
Social connection and healthFor coping with loneliness and strengthening connections.
For a good night's sleepTips for better sleep and a bedtime planner.

Frequently asked questions

Where do my answers go?

Nowhere. The scores are calculated on your phone or computer and are not sent to a server. If you choose to save a result, it is kept only in this browser, and you can delete it at any time.

My score was low; do I have depression?

These questionnaires do not diagnose; they are screening tools that show whether a more detailed assessment is needed. A diagnosis is made in a consultation with a doctor or a mental health professional. If your score is below the cut-off, or you don’t feel well, talk to a professional.

How often should I repeat it?

Because the questions cover the last two weeks, repeating it every two weeks is enough. In research, a 10-point change in the well-being score is regarded as meaningful.

My score is fine but I feel bad; what should I do?

Short questionnaires cannot pick up everything. If you feel unwell, or your symptoms are affecting your daily life, see a doctor or a mental health professional whatever your score.

When should you seek help?

If you have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department straight away.
If you have had weeks of unhappiness, hopelessness, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, or changes in sleep or appetite, see a doctor or a mental health professional.
If anxiety or low mood is getting in the way of your work, relationships or daily tasks, don’t put off getting support.
If you are worried about someone close to you, talk to them and help them get support.

Important: this page is for information only; it does not diagnose and does not replace treatment.

Sources

Topp CW, Østergaard SD, Søndergaard S, Bech P. The WHO-5 Well-Being Index: a systematic review of the literature. Psychother Psychosom. 2015;84(3):167–176.
Psychiatric Research Unit, WHO Collaborating Centre in Mental Health, Frederiksborg General Hospital. WHO (Five) Well-Being Index (1998 version), Turkish; WHO-5 questionnaires.
Eser E, Çevik C, Baydur H, et al. Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the WHO-5, in adults and older adults for its use in primary care settings. Prim Health Care Res Dev. 2019;20:e100.
Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JBW, Löwe B. An ultra-brief screening scale for anxiety and depression: the PHQ-4. Psychosomatics. 2009;50(6):613–621.
Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). Developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues, with an educational grant from Pfizer Inc. No permission required to reproduce, translate, display or distribute.
Oregon Pain Guidance. PHQ-4 scoring. 2016.
NHS. Depression in adults: overview. Page last reviewed 5 July 2023.