Scale · HAM-D

Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)

A 17-item clinician-rated scale used to measure the severity of depression after a clinical interview. It is completed by a therapist or doctor, not by the client.

17 questionsAbout 6 minConfidential resultValidated scientific scale
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This scale is completed by the therapist or doctor after a clinical interview. For each symptom, choose the rating that best describes its severity in the patient, then add up the ratings to get the total score.

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2Pick what fits you best
3See your result and what it means
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What does your result mean? Read the details below

This test is an awareness tool and does not replace a diagnosis by a specialist.

What is the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale?

The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D, also called the HRSD) was published by psychiatrist Max Hamilton in 1960 and has been a standard tool in clinical practice and research ever since. Unlike most online tests, it is clinician-rated: a therapist or doctor fills it in after interviewing the patient and observing them.

The 17 items cover mood, guilt, thoughts of suicide, work and interests, slowing down, anxiety, sleep, appetite and other physical symptoms, weight loss and insight. Some items are rated from 0 to 4 and others from 0 to 2. The total gives an estimate of how severe the depression is and is often used to monitor response to treatment.

Who should use it?

This scale is intended for mental health professionals working with adults. If you are looking for a test to complete about yourself, a self-report questionnaire such as the PHQ-9 or the Beck Depression Inventory is a better choice.

How to use it

After a clinical interview, rate each symptom according to how severe it is for the patient, using what they report and what you observe. Choose one rating per item. The site adds up the ratings to give the total score and the corresponding severity range.

Frequently asked questions

Can I fill this in about myself?

It is not designed for self-completion. Some items depend on a clinician’s observation, such as slowing down or insight. For a self-check, please use one of our self-report depression tests.

Is the HAM-D a diagnosis?

No. It measures the severity of depressive symptoms. A diagnosis is made by the clinician based on the full assessment.

Why is the maximum score different from other versions?

In this Arabic form, the agitation item is rated 0–2 instead of 0–4, so the highest possible total is 50 rather than 52. The severity ranges are otherwise the standard published ones.

What does your result mean?

  1. 0 – 7Normal / no depressionNo significant symptoms
  2. 8 – 16Mild depressionClinician to decide on follow-up
  3. 17 – 23Moderate depressionTreatment plan advised
  4. 24 – 52Severe depressionUrgent care and risk assessment

Your result is not a diagnosis, it is an indicator. A therapist reads it together with your whole story.

Medical review and sources

Sources: Hamilton M. A rating scale for depression. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. 1960;23:56–62. Zimmerman M, Martinez JH, Young D, Chelminski I, Dalrymple K. Severity classification on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2013;150(2):384–388.
Rights: Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (Hamilton, 1960). Arabic form (Arab Therapy) used under licence; English rendering by Kind Mind.
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