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Geriatric Depression Score

This is suitable as a screening test for depressive symptoms in the elderly; ideal for evaluating the clinical severity of depression, and therefore for monitoring treatment. It is easy to administer, needs no prior psychiatric knowledge and has been well validated in many environments.

The original GDS was a 30 item questionnaire - time consuming and challenging for some patients (and staff). Later versions retain only the most discriminating questions; their validity approaches that of the original form.

Geriatric Depression Scale		Score
Are you basically satisfied with your life?	Yes No
Have you dropped many of your activities and interests?	Yes No
Do you feel that your life is empty?	Yes No
Do you often get bored?	Yes No
Are you in good spirits most of the time?	Yes No
Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you?	Yes No
Do you feel happy most of the time?	Yes No
Do you often feel helpless?	Yes No
Do you prefer to stay at home, rather than go out and do new things?	Yes No
Do you feel you have more problems with memory than most?	Yes No
Do you think it is wonderful to be alive?	Yes No
Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now?	Yes No
Do you feel full of energy?	Yes No
Do you feel that your situation is hopeless?	Yes No
Do you think that most people are better off than you are?	Yes No
Scores: 0-4 = No depression; 5-10 = Mild depression; 11 = Severe depression	Total Score

References, footnotes and further reading

1. Yesavage JA, Brink TL, Rose TL, Lum O, Huang V, Adey M, Leirer VO. Development and validation of a geriatric depression screening scale: a preliminary report. J Psychiatr Res. 1983 17: 37-49.
2. Sheikh JI, Yesavage JA. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): Recent evidence and development of a shorter version. Clinical Gerontologist 1986; 5:265.
3. van Marwijk HW, Wallace P, de Bock GH, Hermans J, Kaptein AA, Mulder JD. Evaluation of the feasibility, reliability and diagnostic value of shortened versions of the geriatric depression scale. Br J Gen Pract. 1995 Apr; 45(393): 195-9
4. Neal RM, Baldwin RC. Screening for anxiety and depression in elderly medical outpatients. Age Ageing. 1994 Nov; 23(6): 461-4

Internet

• The full 30 item GDS is available online: www.psychologynet.org/geriatric.html
• The GDS in many different languages www.stanford.edu/~yesavage/GDS.html

Acknowledgements EMIS is grateful to Dr Huw Thomas for the maintenance of this article, and the calculator used within it. The final copy has passed peer review of the independent Mentor GP authoring team. © EMIS 2006.

Last issued 14 Feb 2006