Hamilton Depression Rating Scale Calculator (HAM-D / HDRS-17)
Score the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D, HDRS) — mood, guilt, suicide, insomnia, activity, anxiety, somatic items and insight — 0 to 52 with depression severity.
How it works
HAM-D-17 = sum of 17 clinician-rated items: items 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 15 scored 0–4; items 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 16 and 17 scored 0–2. Range 0–52. Severity (Zimmerman 2013): 0–7 no depression · 8–16 mild · 17–23 moderate · ≥ 24 severe.
The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (Hamilton, Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry 1960) is the most used clinician-rated measure of depression severity in research and antidepressant trials. It is completed by a trained rater after a structured interview about the past week. The severity bands shown follow the empirically derived cut-offs of Zimmerman et al. (2013); response is usually defined as a 50% fall in score and remission as a score of 7 or less. It measures severity — it does not diagnose depression.
Worked example
A patient rated 2 for depressed mood, 1 for guilt, 0 for suicide, 1 for each of the three insomnia items, 2 for work and activities, 1 for retardation, 1 for agitation, 2 for psychological anxiety, 1 for somatic anxiety, 1 each for appetite, general somatic and genital symptoms, 0 for hypochondriasis, 1 for weight loss and 0 for insight scores HAM-D = 17 / 52 — moderate depression (17–23).
Sources: Hamilton M. A rating scale for depression. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1960 · Zimmerman M et al. Severity classification on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. J Affect Disord 2013
Frequently asked questions
What do Hamilton depression scores mean?
Using the Zimmerman 2013 bands: 0–7 no depression, 8–16 mild, 17–23 moderate and 24 or more severe. Older bands (8–13 mild, 14–18 moderate, 19–22 severe, ≥ 23 very severe) are also seen.
Can I score the HAM-D on myself?
It is designed to be rated by a clinician after an interview. For self-assessment, questionnaires such as the PHQ-9 are more appropriate.
What counts as remission on the HAM-D?
A score of 7 or less is the most common definition of remission; a fall of 50% or more from baseline is a response.
What if the suicide item is scored?
Any suicidal thoughts need a direct safety assessment the same day. If there is immediate danger, call emergency services or a crisis line.
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A rating scale or questionnaire, not a diagnosis — only a qualified clinician can diagnose. If you or someone you care for is in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, contact emergency services or a crisis line now.