Rating Instruments for Mood Disorders in Clinical Practice

This chapter outlines some of the most widely used clinician-rated (e.g., HAM-D, MADRS, YMRS) and self-rated (e.g., BDI, PHQ-9, QIDS, ISS, ASRM) tools for depression and bipolar disorder and summarises the evidence to date on their psychometric properties and practicality for use in research and clinical practice. The chapter also discusses the emerging research surrounding affective instability (AI), a core trait-like feature known to underpin the development and emergence of mood disorder symptoms and describes how digital technologies can aid in the monitoring of both mood and AI. A novel mood-monitoring methodology, called experience sampling method, is introduced and its benefits over traditional approaches are discussed. The chapter concludes with a summary of the current and upcoming mood rating tools, as well as their future role and potential applications in clinical practice.