The Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) is a clinical tool designed to assess the severity of depressive symptoms. Developed in 1979 by Stuart Montgomery and Marie Åsberg, it was created to provide a sensitive and precise measure of changes in mood, particularly during psychological or pharmacological treatment.
Unlike broader depression inventories, the MADRS focuses on 10 core symptoms that best capture the emotional and cognitive experience of depression, including sadness, reduced ability to feel pleasure (anhedonia), inner tension, concentration difficulties, pessimistic thinking, and suicidal ideation. Each item is scored from 0 to 6, resulting in a total score ranging from 0 to 60.
The scale is quick to administer and widely used in clinical research and treatment settings where monitoring therapeutic change is essential. Although self-report versions exist, the original MADRS was designed to be administered by trained mental health professionals through a structured clinical interview.
Common interpretation ranges include:
• 0–6: normal / no clinically relevant symptoms
• 7–19: mild depression
• 20–34: moderate depression
• 35–60: severe depression
As with any depression scale, the MADRS does not replace a clinical diagnosis, but rather serves as a complementary tool within a comprehensive professional assessment.
References
This article is based on the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), developed by Stuart Montgomery and Marie Åsberg (1979), as well as academic and clinical materials, including the official version published by the American Psychological Association.
It has been adapted by HABLA Salud Mental for psychoeducational purposes.
Bibliography
American Psychological Association. (2023). Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) [PDF].
Montgomery, S. A., & Åsberg, M. (1979). A new depression scale designed to be sensitive to change. British Journal of Psychiatry, 134, 382–389.
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