The Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)

This clinician-rated scale measures the severity of depressive episodes. It detects changes in symptoms over time, allowing doctors and researchers to track treatment progress.

Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) PDF assessment form for measuring depression severity
MADRS

Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)

The Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) is a ten-item tool used to measure the severity of depressive episodes. It's highly sensitive to change, helping clinicians monitor treatment progress. This interview-based assessment evaluates symptoms like sadness, tension, and reduced appetite accurately.

Category

Mental health
Diagnostic
Monitoring

Disease

Mental Health
Assessment
Clinical Measurement

Source

(Montgomery & Asberg, 1979)

Author Name

Montgomery, S.A. & Åsberg, M. (1979)

What is Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)

The Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) is a trusted tool for measuring depression severity. It helps doctors track symptom changes over time. This ten-item scale focuses on the core psychological signs of depressive illness. A trained rater usually completes it during a standard clinical interview. It covers areas like apparent sadness, inner tension, sleep issues, and appetite changes. Each item gets scored on a zero to six scale, so the total score sits between zero and sixty. This clear setup makes it easy to spot improvements or worsening conditions. Unlike other scales, the MADRS is built to be highly sensitive to treatment effects. This makes it a top choice for drug trials and daily practice. It takes roughly twenty minutes to finish, so it fits into busy schedules. Clinicians use it to guide treatment plans and ensure patients get the right support.

MADRS Scoring

The Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale can be scored using one main approach: the Total Sum Score. To start, a clinician rates 10 specific items, such as apparent sadness, inner tension, and sleep difficulties, on a scale from 0 to 6. You then add these ratings together to get a final number between 0 and 60. Higher totals point to more severe depression, often with a score over 34 flagging a serious condition. In contrast, scores under 7 usually mean the patient is recovering. This simple calculation helps GPs track how well a treatment plan is working.

View scoring form

Advantages

Outcome tracking

Measures healthcare intervention results systematically.

Diagnostic accuracy

Enables precise identification of patient health status.

Research validity

Strengthens evidence through systematic measurement approaches.

Reliable data

Provides consistent measurements for clinical research.

20
Minutes
10
Questions

Collect Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale data with WeGuide

Digitise the MADRS to track depression severity over time. Automate scoring and improve patient monitoring with WeGuide.

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