Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)
Why Use
Highly sensitive (95% in cross-sectional studies in the general population), so may be helpful in ruling out depression (though not diagnostic of major depressive disorder). Correlates well with other rating scales, such as the HAM-D . High interrater reliability makes it useful in both clinical and research settings; can be used to stratify severity of depressive symptoms and for trending severity of a patient’s depressive episode.
When to Use
Adult patients with suspected depression.
Formula
Pearls / Pitfalls
Unlike the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) , does not assess sexual function, hypochondriasis, diurnal variation, or depersonalization, among others. Not diagnostic for major depressive disorder; rather, can help stratify severity of depressive symptoms.
Management
Always consider the patient’s entire clinical picture when assessing a depressive episode, as this tool is not diagnostic for depression. It can supplement clinical assessment and assist in trending a patient’s symptoms to determine therapeutic response.
More Information
Interpretation: MADRS Depression severity 0-8 Depressive symptoms absent 9-17 Mild 18-34 Moderate 35-60 Severe From Müller 2000 . Cutoffs vary by reference.