A 32-year-old woman with generalised worry, restlessness and muscle tension is rated on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). She obtains a total score of 26. According to standard severity bands, this represents:

• A Subclinical anxiety (score below 14)
• B Mild anxiety (14 to 17)
• C Moderate anxiety (18 to 24)
• D Severe anxiety (25 and above) ✓

Explanation

The HAM-A contains 14 items, each scored 0 to 4, giving a maximum of 56. Conventionally, scores below 14 indicate no clinically significant anxiety, 14 to 17 mild, 18 to 24 moderate, and 25 or above severe anxiety. A total of 26 therefore falls in the severe band. Note that the HAM-A weights psychic anxiety items more heavily than somatic items when interpreting the profile.

Reference: Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 12th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.