Definition:
A multiple choice questionnaire doctors may use to rate the severity of a patient's depression. By reassessing the patient at intervals, it can also be used to gauge their progress over time.
The Hamilton Depression Scale was originally developed in 1960 by Max Hamilton, but was later revised in 1967. Although it has been considered the gold standard in depression assessment for several decades, it has received some criticism in recent years.
Also Known As: HAM-D, HDS, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, HRSD, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, HDRS
