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Geriatric Depression Screening Tool

The Geriatric Depression Scale is a screening tool designed to identify depression in people older than 65. A diagnosis of depression should not be based on the Geriatric Depression Scale alone.

  1. Depression

    • According to MindDisoreders.com, depression is common among the elderly. Depression in the elderly can be caused by loneliness, illness, chronic pain, cognitive decline and anxiety about aging and death.

    GDS

    • The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a common screening tool for depression among elderly people. The GDS consists of 30 questions that are answered with ̶0;yes̶1; or ̶0;no̶1; responses.

    Features

    • The GDS is a self-report assessment, meaning that an administrator is not required to give the test. Questions on the GDS include ̶0;Are you basically satisfied with your life?̶1; and ̶0;Are you hopeful about the future?̶1;

    Scoring

    • A response of ̶0;No̶1; is given one point; for a response of ̶0;Yes,̶1; no points are given. According to MindDisorders.com, a score of 10 or higher can indicate depression.

    Types

    • A shorter version of the GDS exists that has 15 questions. On the short form, a score of five or higher can indicate depression.

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