The HDRS is one of the most commonly used clinician-administered depression assessment measures with an emphasis on the physical and melancholy signs of depression.

The original version of the survey (HDRS17) has 17 items that address recent depressive symptoms. Another 4 items were included in a subsequent 21-item version (HDRS21) that was designed to categorize depression.

Each version has a different system for scoring. A score of 0–7 on the HDRS17 is typically considered to be within the normal range (or in clinical remission), whereas a score of 20 or more denotes at least moderate significant severity.