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Hamilton Depression Inventory
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About Hamilton Depression Inventory
Scale Name
Hamilton Depression Inventory
Author Details
William M. Reynolds and Kenneth A. Kobak
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Hamilton Depression Inventory (HDI), developed by William M. Reynolds and Kenneth A. Kobak in 1995, is a self-report psychological tool designed to assess the severity of depressive symptoms in adults. Published by Psychological Assessment Resources, the HDI adapts the widely recognized Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), originally a clinician-rated measure, into a patient-completed format, making it more accessible for clinical and research settings. It aims to provide a reliable, efficient way to screen for depression and monitor treatment progress without requiring extensive clinician involvement.
The HDI consists of 38 items, divided into two forms: a 23-item full version and a 9-item short form, both rated on varying scales (e.g., 0-4 or 0-2) based on symptom frequency and intensity over the past two weeks. Total scores range from 0 to 74 for the full form, with higher scores indicating greater depression severity; a cutoff of 20 suggests significant symptoms. Items cover mood, guilt, suicidal ideation, and somatic complaints, closely mirroring HDRS content. Taking about 10-15 minutes to complete, the HDI is practical for use in diverse settings, from primary care to psychotherapy, with translations enhancing its global utility.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the copy: Access the HDI from its professional manual by Reynolds and Kobak (1995) through Psychological Assessment Resources, ensuring proper purchase and ethical use.
- Explain the purpose: Inform participants that the inventory measures depressive symptoms to screen for depression or track treatment effects, aiding in mental health care.
- Provide instructions: Instruct participants to rate each item based on their experiences over the past two weeks, using the provided scales, and emphasize honest self-reporting.
- Approximate time: Allow approximately 10-15 minutes for the full form (less for the short form), depending on the participant’s pace and comprehension.
- Administer the scale: Distribute the HDI in a quiet, private setting, via paper or digital format, ensuring confidentiality to encourage accurate responses
Reliability and Validity
The Hamilton Depression Inventory demonstrates strong psychometric properties, as outlined in Reynolds and Kobak (1995). Internal consistency is high, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.89 to 0.92 for the full form and 0.80-0.85 for the short form, indicating reliable symptom measurement. Test-retest reliability over a one-week period yields coefficients around 0.85-0.90, reflecting stability in untreated samples.
Validity is well-established. Concurrent validity is shown through strong correlations (r = 0.80-0.90) with the HDRS and Beck Depression Inventory, confirming alignment with established depression measures. Content validity reflects the HDRS framework, covering core depressive symptoms. Discriminant validity distinguishes HDI scores from anxiety scales, though some overlap occurs due to comorbidity. Its sensitivity to treatment changes, with score reductions post-intervention, supports its utility, making it a reliable and valid self-report tool for depression assessment.
Available Versions
23-Items
Reference
Reynolds, W. R., & Kobak, K. A. (1995). Hamilton depression inventory. Psychological Assessment.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the HDI measure?
It measures the severity of depressive symptoms in adults.
How many items are in the HDI?
It includes 23 items in the full form and 9 in the short form.
Who developed the HDI?
It was developed by William Reynolds and Kenneth Kobak in 1995.
How long does it take to complete the HDI?
It takes about 10-15 minutes for the full form.
Is the HDI self-administered?
Yes, it’s a self-report tool, unlike the clinician-rated HDRS.
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