Although the Hamilton scale appears successful, it has been criticized on a number of grounds. Indeed, Hamilton (who was deeply respected by many of his critics) parried some of the criticism with his wry and modest humor:
I went around with my scale and it created a tremendous wave of apathy. They all thought I was a bit mad. Eventually it got published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. It was the only one that would take it. And now everyone tells me the scale is wonderful. I always remember when it had a different reception. This makes sure I don’t et a swollen head. (10, p90)