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

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.