Validation of the hospital anxiety and depression scale as a measure of severity of geriatric depression

Author(s): Rifat, S. L.

Journal/Book: Int J Geriat Psychiat. 1996; 11: Baffins Lane, Chichester, W Sussex, England PO19 1UD. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 991-994.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) as a measure of severity of geriatric depression. One hundred and one elderly patients with DSM-III-R non-psychotic non-bipolar major depression were rated by the interviewing psychiatrist on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) at index assessment and at the completion of treatment. In a blind fashion, patients completed the HAD at the same time points. At initial assessment, correlations between the depression subscale of the HAD (HAD-D) and the HRSD and MADRS were 0.51 (p<0.001) and 0.54 (p<0.001) respectively, and at final assessment the correlations were 0.73 (<0.001) and 0.79 (p<0.001) respectively. The HAD-D was also sensitive to change in the severity of depression (r(S) = 0.58, p<0.001). These correlations were not of sufficient magnitude for the HAD-D to be used as an alternative to the HRSD or MADRS. However, in certain circumstances, the HAD-D may be a useful adjunct to these observer-rated scales.

Note: Article Flint AJ, Toronto Gen Hosp, Gen Div, 200 Elizabeth St, 8 Eaton N, Room 238, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, CANADA

Keyword(s): depressive disorder; depression severity; aged; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; depression rating scale; MEDICAL INPATIENTS; RATING-SCALE; SYMPTOMS; POPULATION

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