Psychology RootsRaskin Depression Rating Scale
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About Raskin Depression Rating Scale
Scale Name
Raskin Depression Rating Scale
Author Details
Allen Raskin, Joy Schulterbrandt, Natalie Reatig, and Joseph J. McKeon
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Raskin Depression Rating Scale (RDRS), developed by Allen Raskin, Joy Schulterbrandt, Natalie Reatig, and Joseph J. McKeon in 1969, is a clinician-rated tool designed to assess the severity of depression in hospitalized patients. Published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, the RDRS emerged from research aimed at identifying key dimensions of psychopathology in depressive disorders, focusing on observable behaviors and verbal reports. It was part of a broader effort to standardize psychiatric evaluations during a period when depression assessment tools were still evolving, making it a foundational contribution to the field.
The RDRS consists of 3 core items—verbal report of depression, behavioral manifestations, and secondary symptoms (e.g., sleep or appetite changes)—each scored on a 5-point scale (1 = “not at all” to 5 = “very much”), yielding a total score range of 3 to 15. Higher scores indicate greater depression severity, with a threshold of 9 often suggesting clinically significant symptoms. Administered through a semi-structured interview and observation, it takes about 10-15 minutes to complete, relying on clinician expertise. Though primarily in English and less widely used today, the RDRS remains notable for its simplicity and focus on inpatient settings.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the copy: Access the RDRS from its original publication in Raskin et al. (1969) via Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease or authorized psychiatric archives, ensuring training for use.
- Explain the purpose: Inform the clinician that the scale measures depression severity in hospitalized patients to guide diagnosis or treatment evaluation.
- Provide instructions: Instruct the clinician to rate the 3 items based on a semi-structured interview and direct observation of the patient, using the 5-point scale.
- Approximate time: Allow approximately 10-15 minutes for the interview and scoring, depending on the patient’s condition and clinician familiarity.
- Administer the scale: Conduct the assessment in an inpatient clinical setting, observing the patient’s verbal and behavioral cues, and record scores systematically.
Reliability and Validity
The Raskin Depression Rating Scale demonstrates solid psychometric properties for its time, as outlined in Raskin et al. (1969). Inter-rater reliability is moderate to high, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.75 to 0.85 among trained clinicians, reflecting reasonable consistency given its brevity. Test-retest reliability is not explicitly detailed in the original study, but its focus on observable symptoms suggests stability in stable inpatient contexts.
Validity is supported by its development process. Concurrent validity is evidenced by correlations with other early depression measures, such as the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, though specific coefficients are not provided in the 1969 paper. Factor analysis identified three key dimensions (verbal, behavioral, secondary symptoms), ensuring content validity for depressive psychopathology. Its predictive validity was demonstrated in its ability to differentiate depression severity levels in hospitalized patients, though its limited item set and inpatient focus constrain broader applicability compared to modern tools.
Available Versions
Multiple-Items
Reference
Raskin, A., Schulterbrandt, J., Reatig, N., & McKEON, J. J. (1969). Replication of factors of psychopathology in interview, ward behavior and self-report ratings of hospitalized depressives. The Journal of nervous and mental disease, 148(1), 87-98.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the RDRS measure?
It measures depression severity in hospitalized patients.
How many items are in the RDRS?
It includes 3 items scored from 1 to 5.
Who developed the RDRS?
It was developed by Allen Raskin and colleagues in 1969.
How long does it take to complete the RDRS?
It takes about 10-15 minutes via clinical interview.
Is the RDRS still widely used?
No, it’s less common today but remains historically significant.
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