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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 “yes” or “no” 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 “Are you basically satisfied with your life?” and “Are you hopeful about the future?”

    Scoring

    • A response of “No” is given one point; for a response of “Yes,” 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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