Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D)

The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) is a tool used by healthcare professionals to assess the severity of depression in adults. It involves a structured interview where the clinician evaluates symptoms such as mood, feelings of guilt, sleep disturbances, appetite, energy levels, and thoughts of suicide. Each symptom is scored on a scale based on its intensity and impact. The total score helps determine how severe the depression is, guiding treatment decisions and tracking progress over time. The HAM-D provides an objective way to measure depression symptoms beyond patient self-reporting.