Improving depression severity assessment--II. Content, concurrent and external validity of three observer depression scales.
The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Bech-Rafaelsen Melancholia Scale (BRMS) were compared with respect to content, concurrent and external validity in sample of 130 patients with a major depressive episode. The three scales did equally well in concurrent and external validity. The HAMD showed some deficiencies in content validity. The consequences for depression severity assessment are discussed.
Maier
W
W
Department of Psychiatry, University of Mainz, F.R.G.
Heuser
I
I
Philipp
M
M
Frommberger
U
U
Demuth
W
W
D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D012917:Social Adjustment