Not as golden as standards should be: interpretation of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression

Levente Kriston; Alessa von Wolff

doi:10.1016/j.jad.2010.07.011

Not as golden as standards should be: interpretation of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression

J Affect Disord. 2011 Jan;128(1-2):175-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2010.07.011. Epub 2010 Aug 8.

Authors

Levente Kriston¹, Alessa von Wolff

Affiliation

¹ Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf Martinistr. 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany. l.kriston@uke.uni-hamburg.de

PMID: 20696481
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2010.07.011

Abstract

Background: The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) is one of the most frequently used instruments in antidepressant trials.

Methods: We examined different recommendations for classification of subjects according to depression severity by the HRSD.

Results: Several differences between recommendations were identified leading to the conclusion that a consensus on interpretation is largely missing.

Limitations: Brief narrative review.

Conclusions: Widely accepted standards for the interpretation of scores on the HRSD are needed.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
Clinical Trials as Topic
Depression / diagnosis*
Depression / drug therapy*
Depression / psychology
Humans
Outcome Assessment, Health Care
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales*
Psychometrics
Sensitivity and Specificity
Severity of Illness Index
Treatment Outcome

Substances

Antidepressive Agents