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Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)
15-item yes/no self-report screen for depression in older adults.
Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)
Basically satisfied with life
Dropped many activities and interests
Feels that life is empty
Often gets bored
In good spirits most of the time
Afraid that something bad is going to happen
Feels happy most of the time
Often feels helpless
Prefers to stay home rather than go out and do new things
Feels more problems with memory than most people
Thinks it is wonderful to be alive right now
Feels pretty worthless the way things are now
Feels full of energy
Feels the current situation is hopeless
Thinks most people are better off than they are
Result0 points
Normal (score range 0-15).
When to use
- Screening for depressive symptoms in older adults, including those with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment.
Formula
Sum of 15 yes/no items (1 point each for the depressive-indicating answer, direction varies by item). Range 0-15; >=5 suggestive of depression, >=10 almost always indicates depression.
References
- Sheikh JA, Yesavage JA. Clin Gerontol. 1986;5(1-2):165-173.