Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression
Clinician-administered 17-item assessment measuring depression severity in adults.
Full Definition
A widely-used, clinician-administered rating scale developed by Max Hamilton to assess the severity of depressive symptoms in patients already diagnosed with depression. The HAM-D consists of 17 items covering mood, guilt, suicidal ideation, sleep disturbances, appetite, energy, concentration, and physical symptoms. Each item is scored differently, with total scores indicating depression severity: normal (0-7), mild (8-13), moderate (14-18), severe (19-22), and very severe (23+). The scale requires trained administration and is considered the gold standard for measuring depression severity in clinical trials. Unlike self-report measures, the HAM-D relies on clinical judgment and observation.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from self-report measures; HAM-D requires trained clinician administration and interpretation.
In Context
- "Baseline HAM-D scores of 24 indicated very severe depression requiring intensive treatment." — Research protocol documentation
- "The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression showed significant improvement at week 8 of treatment." — Clinical trial report