Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam

What does a higher score indicate on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)?

1. Fewer depressive symptoms

2. Increased number of depressive symptoms

3. Severe anxiety levels

4. Improvement in overall mental health

The correct answer is: Increased number of depressive symptoms

A higher score on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) indicates an increased number of depressive symptoms. The HAM-D is a clinician-administered scale that evaluates the severity of depression in an individual, focusing on various symptoms, such as mood, guilt, anxiety, insomnia, work and activities, psychomotor agitation or retardation, and more. Each symptom is given a certain number of points, and as a patient's symptoms intensify, their total score increases. Therefore, a higher score directly correlates with a greater severity of depressive symptoms, highlighting the degree to which a patient is experiencing depression. This context is crucial, as clinicians use the HAM-D to assess treatment efficacy and participate in managing depressive disorders. Understanding this relationship assists mental health professionals in tracking progress over time and making necessary adjustments to treatment strategies accordingly.