A structured interview version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale: evidence of reliability and versatility of administration.
A structured interview version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (SI-HDRS) is described. Data are presented in support of its inter-rater and internal consistency reliability. SI-HDRS scores were reproducible by trained interviewers who lacked psychiatric backgrounds. Test-retest scores of a subset of patients who were interviewed twice (once in person and once by telephone) were highly correlated. Scores on the SI-HDRS did not differ between face-to-face and telephone administration groups, controlling for demographic factors, depression-specific indicators, and social and physical functioning. Since the SI-HDRS does not require a face-to-face interview by an experienced clinician, this instrument can be used economically in large-scale, community-based research projects.
Potts
M K
MK
Department of Social Work, California State University, Long Beach 90840-0902.
Daniels
M
M
Burnam
M A
MA
Wells
K B
KB
D000328:Adult; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data