The factorial structure of the 17-item Hamilton depression rating scale

Abstract EN

The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was applied to 73 depressed inpatients diagnosed using the Psychiatric Diagnostic Interview.

The first 17 items of the scale were factorized using the hierarchical factor analysis and were clustered using agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis.

Five primary and one secondary factor, accounting for 61% of variance were extracted.

The extracted factors represent insomnia, depression, anxiety-hypochondriasis, guilt, and genital symptoms (libido).

Three simple interpretable clusters that represent depression, associated symptoms and some melancholic features were found.

A weak general factor of the scale was found.