What are the Whooley questions?
They are two quick screening questions for depression:
- During the last month, have you often been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless?
- During the last month, have you often been bothered by having little interest or pleasure in doing things?
They are recommended by NICE, including in pregnancy and after birth.
Interpretation
| Answer | Result |
|---|
| No to both | Depression unlikely |
| Yes to either | Positive: assess further, for example with the PHQ-9 |
Frequently asked questions
What if the Whooley questions are positive?
Do a fuller assessment, using the PHQ-9 and a clinical interview.
Are the Whooley questions used in pregnancy?
Yes. NICE CG192 suggests them at booking and in the postnatal period.
How accurate are the Whooley questions?
They are highly sensitive, so a negative answer to both makes depression unlikely.
References
- Whooley MA, Avins AL, Miranda J, Browner WS. Case-finding instruments for depression. J Gen Intern Med 1997;12(7):439–45.
- NICE. Depression in adults: treatment and management. NG222. nice.org.uk/guidance/ng222
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