Which tool is commonly used to evaluate a patient's mood?

The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale is widely recognized as a comprehensive tool for assessing a patient's mood, particularly in evaluating the severity of depression. This scale includes a variety of items that cover not only mood but also somatic symptoms associated with depression, such as weight loss, sleep disturbances, and feelings of guilt or helplessness. Its structured format allows healthcare professionals to quantify the degree of a patient's depressive symptoms over time, making it valuable for both diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

This particular scale is used in clinical settings to help determine the effectiveness of treatment plans and to evaluate changes in mood that can occur as a result of therapy or medication adjustments. By focusing specifically on depressive symptoms, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale serves to highlight the nuances of a patient's emotional state, thus offering critical insights that related tools may not fully encompass.