Scale-Description

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is an instrument used to assess levels of anxiety and depression in hospital patients. It was developed to identify emotional problems that may arise in patients regardless of their underlying medical condition. The scale consists of 14 questions, divided into two subscales: Anxiety and Depression, with 7 questions for each.

Data Analysis and Usage

Data Analysis
Data from the HADS are analyzed by scoring the responses to the 14 questions. Each question is rated on a scale from 0 to 3, based on the intensity of the reported symptoms. Each subscale score (Anxiety and Depression) ranges from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater severity.
The data can be analyzed to assess levels of anxiety and depression, and to monitor emotional problems in hospital patients. Statistical methods such as factor analysis and assessments of reliability (e.g., Cronbach’s alpha) and validity can be applied to evaluate the quality of the scale.
Usage
HADS is used in hospital settings to identify patients who may need psychological support or treatment for anxiety and depression. It can also be used in research to evaluate the impact of treatments or interventions on patients’ mental health.

Purpose

The main objective of HADS is to provide a simple and reliable method for assessing anxiety and depression in hospital patients. It helps clinicians identify emotional problems and plan appropriate interventions or treatments. HADS is not designed to diagnose mental disorders but to provide information about the intensity of symptoms.

Scoring

Scoring of the HADS involves rating the 14 questions on a scale from 0 to 3. The scores for each subscale (Anxiety and Depression) are calculated and compared with predefined thresholds to assess the severity of symptoms. The scale’s validity has been established through studies that compare it with other scales and clinical diagnoses.

References

Zigmond, A. S., & Snaith, R. P. (1983). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 67(6), 361-370.
Herrmann, C. (1997). International experiences with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale—A review of validation data and clinical results. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 42(1), 17-41.
Bjelland, I., Dahl, A. A., Haug, T. T., & Neckelmann, D. (2002). The validity of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale: An updated literature review. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 52(2), 69-77.