Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)

The GDS is a 30-item self-report assessment used to identify depression in the elderly. The participant is asked to respond “Yes” or “No” to a series of questions about how they have felt over the past week. This instrument may be used with healthy, medically ill, or mild to moderately cognitively impaired older adults.

Domains Assessed: Depression and Mood

Note: This assessment is given to participants ages 65-85 years old.

References:

Brink T.L., Yesavage J.A., Lum O., Heersema P., Adey M.B., Rose T.L.: Screening tests for geriatric depression. Clinical Gerontologist 1: 37-44, 1982.

Sheikh J.I., Yesavage J.A.: Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): Recent evidence and development of a shorter version. Clinical Gerontology : A Guide to Assessment and Intervention 165-173, NY: The Haworth Press, 1986.