Rating scales for depressive symptoms

Rating scales are a useful tool for screening, assessing and monitoring the success of treatment in patients with depressive symptoms. Screening using rating scales is not routine, but is essential during the postpartum period (see Perinatal depression). Do not rely solely on rating scales—use them in conjunction with clinical relationship-based care. Clinician-rated scales include the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Patient-rated scales include Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). These scales are available online and usually take less than 10 minutes to complete.