HAM-D Technology Abbreviation

Hamilton Depression Rating Scale

The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), also known as the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), is a widely used clinical assessment tool to measure the severity of depression in individuals. It was developed by psychiatrist Max Hamilton in the 1960s and has since become one of the most commonly used rating scales for depression.

The HDRS consists of a series of 17 items that assess various symptoms of depression, such as depressed mood, guilt, insomnia, agitation, and suicidal ideation. Each item is rated on a scale from 0 to 2 or 0 to 4, depending on the severity and frequency of the symptom, with higher scores indicating greater severity. Some items are based on the patient's subjective report, while others are assessed by the clinician's observation during the interview.