Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression

The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, often called the Hamilton Depression Scale, is a clinical tool used by healthcare professionals to assess the severity of depression in individuals. Developed by psychiatrist Max Hamilton, it consists of a series of questions that evaluate symptoms such as mood, feelings of guilt, insomnia, and physical symptoms. Each question is scored, and the total score helps determine how severe the depression is, guiding treatment decisions. It's commonly used in research and clinical settings to track changes in a patient's condition over time.