Improving depression severity assessment--II. Content, concurrent and external validity of three observer depression scales.

The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Bech-Rafaelsen Melancholia Scale (BRMS) were compared with respect to content, concurrent and external validity in sample of 130 patients with a major depressive episode. The three scales did equally well in concurrent and external validity. The HAMD showed some deficiencies in content validity. The consequences for depression severity assessment are discussed.