What are the percentages of specificity and sensitivity of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) versus the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: April 10, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) has a sensitivity of 80-90% and specificity of 70-80%, while the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) has a sensitivity of 75-85% and specificity of 65-75% in geriatric populations. When comparing the two scales, the GDS is specifically designed for older adults and performs slightly better in this population, with its simplified yes/no format making it more accessible for those with cognitive limitations 1. The HAM-D, while widely used across age groups, includes somatic symptoms that may overlap with normal aging or medical conditions, potentially reducing its specificity in geriatric populations. Some key points to consider when choosing between these scales include:

  • The GDS is more appropriate for self-administration in older adults
  • The HAM-D is clinician-administered and may better capture symptom severity for treatment monitoring 1. It's also worth noting that the 15-item GDS short form is particularly useful in clinical settings with sensitivity around 85% and specificity of 75% 1. Overall, the choice between the GDS and HAM-D should be based on the individual patient's needs and the clinical setting, with consideration of the potential benefits and limitations of each scale 1.

From the Research

Comparison of HAM-D and Geriatric Depressive Scale

  • The provided studies do not directly compare the specificity and sensitivity of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and the Geriatric Depressive Scale.
  • However, the studies provide information on the sensitivity and specificity of HAM-D in various contexts:
    • A study from 2023 2 found that the HAM-D had a sensitivity of 61.64% and a specificity of 75% in detecting severe depression among patients with recurrent depression disorder.
    • Another study from 2008 3 assessed the sensitivity of individual items of the HAM-D and proposed a subscale with higher sensitivity to drug effect.
    • A study from 2002 4 compared the sensitivity of the HAM-D, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, and Clinical Global Impressions rating scale in antidepressant clinical trials, but did not include the Geriatric Depressive Scale.
    • A study from 1997 5 found that a 6-item version of the HAM-D was as sensitive as the 17-, 21-, and 24-item versions in detecting changes in depression severity.
  • There is no direct comparison of the specificity and sensitivity of HAM-D and the Geriatric Depressive Scale in the provided studies.

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

2
Research

Diagnostic Value in Screening Severe Depression of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Beck Depression Inventory Scale, and Zung's Self-Rating Anxiety Scale Among Patients with Recurrent Depression Disorder.

Acta informatica medica : AIM : journal of the Society for Medical Informatics of Bosnia & Herzegovina : casopis Drustva za medicinsku informatiku BiH, 2023

5
Research

Sensitivity of the six-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.

Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica, 1997

Related Questions

What is the diagnosis and treatment of lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) nephritis?
What is the most appropriate pharmacotherapy for a 14-year-old boy with a mildly pruritic rash on his left arm, who has well-controlled asthma and is a wrestler, presenting with a 3-cm lesion over the left forearm?
What are the symptoms of lupus nephritis (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - SLE related kidney inflammation)?
What is the dose of intravenous (IV) metronidazole (Flagyl) for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with intestinal obstruction or perianal disease?
What is the generic survival rate for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery?
What is the most likely genetic defect in a 3-year-old girl with a seizure disorder, strabismus, microcephaly, and developmental delay, taking valproic acid (valproate), presenting with a flattened occiput, prominent jaw, widely spaced teeth, hand flapping, stiff-legged gait, and limited communication skills?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question