Conclusions : According to the published literature , the clinimetric properties of HAM-D6 are superior to those of both the HAM-D17 and MADRS .
Background : In a study aim ed at identifying the items carrying information regarding the global severity of depression , the 6-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale ( HAM-D6 ) was derived from the original 17-item version of the scale ( HAM-D17 ) .
Since then , the HAM-D6 has been used in a wide range of clinical studies .
We now provide a systematic review of the clinimetric properties of HAM-D6 in comparison with those of HAM-D17 and the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale ( MADRS ) .
HAM-D17 and HAM-D6 sensitivity to change in relation to desvenlafaxine dose and baseline depression severity in major depressive disorder.
INTRODUCTION This retrospective analysis compared sensitivity to change on the 17-item and 6-item Hamilton Rating Scales For Depression ( HAM-D ( 17 ) and HAM-D ( 6 ) , respectively ) in relation to antidepressant dose and baseline depression severity . METHODS Data were derived from 6 r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled , 8-week trials of  fixed-dose desvenlafaxine  ( 50 , 100 , 200 or 400 mg/d ) for major depressive disorder .  HAM-D ( 17 ) and HAM-D ( 6 ) effect sizes were assessed . RESULTS HAM-D ( 17 ) effect sizes were negative ( favoured placebo ) for higher desvenlafaxine doses ( 200 - 400 mg/d ) at week 1 , but were positive for all doses after week 2 , with no clear dose-response pattern . However , HAM-D ( 6 ) effect sizes were positive for all doses at all weeks . Effect sizes were consistently greater for HAM-D ( 6 ) vs. HAM-D ( 17 ) , regardless of time spent under therapy . Effect sizes were greater for HAM-D ( 6 ) vs. HAM-D ( 17 ) for all desvenlafaxine doses among patients with baseline HAM-D ( 17 ) < 25 , but not among patients with baseline HAM-D ( 17 ) ≥ 25 . DISCUSSION The HAM-D ( 6 ) demonstrated greater sensitivity to change and robustness than the HAM-D ( 17 ) , supporting the greater homogeneity of the HAM-D ( 6 )
Conclusions : According to the published literature , the clinimetric properties of HAM-D6 are superior to those of both the HAM-D17 and MADRS .
Background : In a study aim ed at identifying the items carrying information regarding the global severity of depression , the 6-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale ( HAM-D6 ) was derived from the original 17-item version of the scale ( HAM-D17 ) .
Since then , the HAM-D6 has been used in a wide range of clinical studies .
We now provide a systematic review of the clinimetric properties of HAM-D6 in comparison with those of HAM-D17 and the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale ( MADRS ) .