Biomaterial Database

Measurement of depression in clinical trials: an overview. 1982

J R Hughes, and M W O'Hara, and L P Rehm

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the commonly used measures of depression in order to help clinicians better interpret the results of clinical studies of depression. In the first section comprehensive and specific depression measures are contrasted. In the second section five classes of depression measures are defined: self-report, self-monitoring, ratings of significant others, clinical ratings, and ward observations. Several methodological issues are illustrated in discussing the liabilities, assets, and possible misuses of each class. Recommendations for accurate interpretation of depression measures are listed in the conclusion.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007406	Interview, Psychological	A directed conversation aimed at eliciting information for psychiatric diagnosis, evaluation, treatment planning, etc. The interview may be conducted by a social worker or psychologist.	Interview, Psychologic,Interviews, Psychological,Psychological Interview,Psychological Interviews,Interviews, Psychologic,Psychologic Interview,Psychologic Interviews
D011569	Psychiatric Status Rating Scales	Standardized procedures utilizing rating scales or interview schedules carried out by health personnel for evaluating the degree of mental illness.	Factor Construct Rating Scales (FCRS),Katz Adjustment Scales,Lorr's Inpatient Multidimensional Psychiatric Rating Scale,Wittenborn Scales,Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale,Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview
D011581	Psychological Tests	Standardized tests designed to measure abilities (as in intelligence, aptitude, and achievement tests) or to evaluate personality traits.	Parenting Stress Index,Trier Social Stress Test,Trier Stress Test,Psychologic Tests,Psychological Test,Test, Psychological,Tests, Psychological,Index, Parenting Stress,Psychologic Test,Stress Index, Parenting,Stress Test, Trier,Test, Psychologic,Test, Trier Stress,Trier Stress Tests
D003866	Depressive Disorder	An affective disorder manifested by either a dysphoric mood or loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities. The mood disturbance is prominent and relatively persistent.	Depression, Endogenous,Depression, Neurotic,Depression, Unipolar,Depressive Syndrome,Melancholia,Neurosis, Depressive,Unipolar Depression,Depressions, Endogenous,Depressions, Neurotic,Depressions, Unipolar,Depressive Disorders,Depressive Neuroses,Depressive Neurosis,Depressive Syndromes,Disorder, Depressive,Disorders, Depressive,Endogenous Depression,Endogenous Depressions,Melancholias,Neuroses, Depressive,Neurotic Depression,Neurotic Depressions,Syndrome, Depressive,Syndromes, Depressive,Unipolar Depressions
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man