title: Differentiating moderate and severe depression using the Montgomery-Asberg depression rating scale (MADRS).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  MADRS cut-off scores for moderate and severe depression were estimated in relation to the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD(17)) and the Clinical Global Impressions Scale (CGI).
  
  
  METHODS
  HAMD(17), MADRS, and CGI ratings from patients with major depression (DSM-IV) were analyzed (N=85). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were applied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean age was 51.4+/-14.5 years, 69% were female. Mean MADRS scores were 23.4+/-13.2, HAMD(17), MADRS, and CGI scores were highly correlated (r>0.85; P<0.0001). Best separation between moderate and severe depression according to CGI criteria was achieved with a MADRS score of 31 (sensitivity 93.5%, specificity 83.3%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Studies to validate severity gradations including DSM-IV or ICD-10 diagnostic severity categories are recommended.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Empirically based MADRS cut-off scores to separate moderate from severe depression on the basis of HAMD(17) and CGI severity ratings in patients with major depression were yielded.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, University of Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Strasse 8, D-55131, Mainz, Germany. mjm@mail.psychiatrie.klinik.uni-mainz.de
authors: Matthias J
authors: MJ
authors: Müller
authors: Hubertus
authors: H
authors: Himmerich
authors: Barbara
authors: B
authors: Kienzle
authors: Armin
authors: A
authors: Szegedi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D012720:Severity of Illness Index