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 ) .
Gepirone extended-release: new evidence for efficacy in the treatment of major depressive disorder.
OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and tolerability of the 5-HT(1A ) agonist gepirone in extended-release formulation ( gepirone-ER ) versus placebo in patients with major depressive disorder . METHOD Patients aged 18 to 70 years were eligible if they satisfied DSM-IV criteria for moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder and had a baseline 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression ( HAM-D-17 ) score > or = 20 . After a 4- to 7-day placebo washout period , patients were r and omly assigned to receive either placebo ( N = 106 ) or gepirone-ER ( 20 - 80 mg/day ) ( N = 103 ) for 56 days . Assessment s were done at weeks 1 - 4 , 6 , and 8 . RESULTS Mean change from baseline in HAM-D-17 score within the intent-to-treat group ( gepirone , N = 101 ; placebo , N = 103 ) was significantly greater with gepirone-ER than placebo at weeks 3 ( p = .013 ) and 8 ( p = .018 ) . Significantly ( p < .05 ) more patients receiving gepirone-ER than placebo were HAM-D-17 responders at weeks 3 ( 33.7 % vs. 18.8 % , respectively ) and 4 ( 38.6 % vs. 24.8 % , respectively ) and HAM-D-17 remitters at weeks 6 ( 24.8 % vs. 13.9 % , respectively ) and 8 ( 28.7 % vs. 14.9 % , respectively ) . Mean change from baseline for HAM-D-25 total score was significantly ( p < pr = .05 ) greater with gepirone-ER at all assessment s except week 6 . The proportion of HAM-D-25 responders was significantly greater ( p < or = .05 ) with gepirone-ER at weeks 3 and 8 . Gepirone-ER was well tolerated : 9.8 % of the gepirone-ER group and 2.8 % of the placebo group discontinued due to adverse events . Common adverse events were considered mild and included dizziness , nausea , and insomnia .  Gepirone-ER did not differ statistically compared with placebo in weight gain or sedation . Furthermore , preliminary evidence suggested that gepirone-ER may not be associated with sexual dysfunction . No serious adverse events occurred in gepirone-treated patients . CONCLUSION Gepirone-ER is effective for the short-term treatment of major depressive disorder and is well tolerated
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 ) .