Geriatric Depression Scale (Short Version)
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1GERIATRIC DEPRESSION SCALE (SHORT VERSION)
Name:
________________________________________________________________________________________
Date of Assessment: _________________________ Completed By: _______________________________
Jerome A Yesavage
Geriatric Depression Scale
Psychopharmacology Bulletin (1988) 24:4;709-711
Instructions:
Each answer counts one point.
Total score greater than five indicates probably depression.
Issues:
The GDS is a screening tool and not a diagnosis. Where a score of more than five is indicated, a more
thorough clinical investigation should be undertaken.
37
Feher et al.
have concluded that the GDS is a generally valid measure of the mild-to moderate depressive
symptoms in Alzheimer patients with mild-to moderate dementia.
The right hand column shows test answers which are positive for depression
No:
Questions:
Answer:
Test Answers:
1.
Are you basically satisfied with your life?
Yes / No
No
2.
Have you dropped many of your activities or interests?
Yes / No
Yes
3.
Do you feel that your life is empty?
Yes / No
Yes
4.
Do you often get bored?
Yes / No
Yes
5.
Are you in good spirits most of the time?
Yes / No
No
6.
Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you?
Yes / No
Yes
7.
Do you feel happy most of the time?
Yes / No
No
8.
Do you feel helpless?
Yes / No
Yes
9.
Do you prefer to stay at home, rather than go out and do things?
Yes / No
Yes
10.
Do you feel that you have more problems with memory than most?
Yes / No
Yes
11.
Do you think it is wonderful to be alive now?
Yes / No
No
12.
Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now?
Yes / No
Yes
13.
Do you feel full of energy?
Yes / No
No
14.
Do you feel that your situation is hopeless?
Yes / No
Yes
15.
Do you think that most people are better off then you are?
Yes / No
Yes
Total Score
When a score of more than five is indicated, a more thorough clinical investigation should be undertaken.
37
Feher, Ep., Larrabee, GJ, and Crook, TH, Factors attenuating the validity of the Geriatric Depression Scale in a dementia population. Journal of America
Geriatrics Society 1992; 40:906-909.
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