[Psychiatric rating scales in clinical work].

Psychiatric rating scales can be used to support disease screening and assessment of the severity of symptoms and effectiveness of treatment. In Finland, several rating scales suitable for both the general practitioner and the psychiatrist, are in use. The scales can be applied to mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders and to the assessment of symptoms associated with psychoses. It is important not to make a psychiatric diagnosis merely on the basis of the score obtained. The use of appropriate rating scales makes the clinical work easier and quicker.