Validation of a Hamilton subscale for endogenomorphic depression

The current study examined the validity of a subscale for endogenomorphic depression derived from the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. In a sample of 147 women outpatients with primary depression, subscale (HES) scores were bimodally distributed around the mean score of 7.38. High-HES patients had significantly elevated scores on measures of depressive symptomatology, generalized symptomatic distress, and social impairment relative to low-HES patients. Classifications based on HES scores significantly predicted RDC and DSM-III subtype diagnoses of endogenous and nonendogenous depression. Diagnostic predictions based on the subscale's items were superior to predictions made using the 'non-endogenomorphic' Hamilton items. Potential applications for research are discussed.