An examination of 26,168 hamilton depression rating scale scores administered via interactive voice response across 17 randomized clinical trials

This article presents descriptive and psychometric data from 26,168 Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scores administered via Interactive Voice Response (IVR) in 17 randomized clinical trials sponsored by 6 pharmaceutical companies. To provide evidence for construct validity, the IVR HAM-D scores before and after randomization are compared, and the change in the IVR HAM-D scores over time after randomization are examined. In addition, the evidence for the reliability of the IVR-administered HAM-D is presented. An examination of the distribution of first-time IVR HAM-Ds before randomization may provide useful information to researchers planning to use the IVR HAM-D as a screening tool for entry or to verify baseline severity in randomized clinical trials.