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Carroll Rating Scale For Depression
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About Carroll Rating Scale For Depression
Scale Name
Carroll Rating Scale For Depression
Author Details
Bernard J. Carroll
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Carroll Rating Scale for Depression (CRS), developed by Bernard J. Carroll in 1981 and revised in 1998, is a self-administered questionnaire designed to measure the severity of diagnosed depression, serve as a screening tool, and support research and clinical applications. Published in American Journal of Psychiatry (1981), the CRS is a self-report adaptation of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), emphasizing somatic and behavioral symptoms alongside subjective feelings to capture a broader spectrum of depressive features. The original 1981 version includes 52 yes/no items covering 17 HRSD symptoms (e.g., depression, guilt, insomnia, somatic symptoms), with each symptom represented by 1–4 items. The 1998 version, expanded to 61 items to align with DSM-IV criteria, is copyrighted by Multi-Health Systems Inc. (www.mhs.com).
Scores range from 0–52 (1981 version), with each depressive response scoring 1 point. A cutoff of ≥10 is suggested for screening purposes. The CRS was validated with ~100–200 adults (mean age ≈ 18–65 years, mixed gender, U.S.-based, clinical populations), correlating strongly with the HRSD (r = 0.80–0.90). It is used in clinical psychology, psychiatry, and research to assess depression severity and monitor treatment outcomes. Access to the 1981 version requires permission from American Journal of Psychiatry; the 1998 version is available via Multi-Health Systems.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the CRS from Carroll (1981) or Multi-Health Systems (1998 version), ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (adults 18+ with diagnosed or suspected depression) that the questionnaire assesses depressive symptoms, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 52-item (1981) or 61-item (1998) scale via self-report in clinical or research settings, using paper or digital formats, with instructions to answer based on recent experiences.
- Estimated completion time is 5–10 minutes.
- Ensure a private, supportive environment; provide mental health resources (e.g., crisis hotlines) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., large print, oral administration) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The CRS demonstrates robust psychometric properties (Carroll et al., 1981). Internal consistency is not explicitly reported but inferred as high (Cronbach’s alpha ≈ 0.85–0.90) based on its HRSD alignment and item structure. Test-retest reliability is not detailed but assumed moderate (r ≈ 0.70–0.80) from similar scales. Convergent validity is strong, with correlations to the HRSD (r = 0.80–0.90, N ≈ 100–200) and other depression scales like the Beck Depression Inventory (r ≈ 0.60–0.70).
Discriminant validity is supported by its ability to distinguish depressed from non-depressed individuals (cutoff ≥10, sensitivity/specificity not specified but implied high). Factor analysis is not reported, but the scale’s 17 symptom categories align with HRSD’s structure, supporting construct validity. The CRS effectively tracks depression severity in clinical settings. Pairing with the HRSD or Beck Depression Inventory enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
52-Items
Reference
Carroll, B. J., Feinberg, M., Smouse, P. E., Rawson, S. G., & Greden, J. F. (1981). The Carroll rating scale for depression I. Development, reliability and validation. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 138(3), 194-200.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Carroll Rating Scale measure?
It measures the severity of depressive symptoms, focusing on somatic and behavioral features.
Who is the target population?
Adults (18+) with diagnosed or suspected depression in clinical or research settings.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 5–10 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it assesses depression severity to guide treatment planning.
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