Hamilton depression rating scale: Uses and applications

Abstract

The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale is a widely used measuring instrument to assess the severity of depression in dynamics and the effectiveness of treatment of patients with already identified depressive disorder. A trained rater with knowledge of the tool and symptoms of the depressive illness should administer it. The most commonly used versions in the studies are either a 17- or a 21-item scale. The scoring of the severity of the depressive symptoms is based on 17 items. It is scored between 0 (not present) and 4 (severe) points using either a three-point or a five-point scale and summed up to obtain the total score. The assessment generally takes 15–30min. The indications, validity, and limitations of the scale are discussed in this chapter.