Geriatric Depression Scale

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Geriatric Depression Scale

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About Scale Name

Scale Name

Geriatric Depression Scale

Author Details

Jerome Yesavage, Thomas L. Brink, Sandra L. Rose, and Kathleen Liang

Translation Availability

Not Sure

Geriatric Depression Scale
Geriatric Depression Scale

Background/Description

The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a 30-item self-report scale that is used to screen for depression in older adults. It was developed by Jerome Yesavage, Thomas L. Brink, Sandra L. Rose, and Kathleen Liang at Stanford University in 1982.

The GDS was developed in response to the high prevalence of depression in older adults. Depression is a common and serious mental disorder that can affect people of all ages, but it is especially common in older adults. The symptoms of depression can be similar to those of other medical conditions, such as dementia, so it is important to have a reliable and valid screening tool to identify depression in older adults.

The GDS is a simple and easy-to-administer scale that is designed to be used by non-professionals. The items on the scale are scored on a 4-point scale, ranging from 0 (not at all) to 3 (most of the time). A score of 15 or higher is considered to be indicative of depression.

The GDS has been translated into over 30 languages and is used in clinical settings and research studies around the world. It has been shown to be reliable and valid in a variety of populations, including older adults with and without cognitive impairment.

The GDS is a valuable tool for screening for depression in older adults. It is a simple, easy-to-administer scale that has been shown to be reliable and valid. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be depressed, the GDS can be a helpful way to start the conversation.

Here are some of the key features of the GDS:

  • It is a self-report scale, which means that the person being evaluated answers the questions themselves.
  • It is a 30-item scale, but there is also a 15-item version that is shorter and easier to administer.
  • The items on the scale are scored on a 4-point scale, ranging from 0 (not at all) to 3 (most of the time).
  • A score of 15 or higher is considered to be indicative of depression.
  • The GDS has been translated into over 30 languages.
  • It has been shown to be reliable and valid in a variety of populations, including older adults with and without cognitive impairment.

Administration, Scoring and Interpretation

  • Introduce yourself and explain the purpose of the GDS.
  • Instruct the person to read each question carefully and to circle the answer that best describes how they have felt over the past week.
  • If the person has difficulty reading, read the questions aloud to them.
  • Do not give any interpretations or explanations of the questions.
  • If the person asks for help, you can provide them with a few examples of how to answer the questions.
  • Once the person has answered all of the questions, score their answers.

Reliability and Validity

The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a self-report scale that is used to screen for depression in older adults. It has been shown to be reliable and valid in a variety of populations, including older adults with and without cognitive impairment.

Reliability refers to the consistency of the scale. A reliable scale will produce similar results when it is administered repeatedly to the same person. The GDS has been shown to have good reliability, with a test-retest reliability coefficient of 0.84. This means that if a person scores high on the GDS one day, they are likely to score high on the GDS again if it is administered to them a few weeks later.

Validity refers to the ability of the scale to measure what it is supposed to measure. The GDS has been shown to have good validity, with a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 89%. This means that the GDS is able to correctly identify 92% of people who are depressed and 89% of people who are not depressed.

The GDS is a valuable tool for screening for depression in older adults. It is a simple, easy-to-administer scale that has been shown to be reliable and valid. However, it is important to remember that the GDS is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool. If you score high on the GDS, you should see a doctor or mental health professional for further evaluation.

Here are some of the limitations of the GDS:

  • It is not specific to depression. The GDS can also be used to screen for other conditions, such as anxiety and dementia.
  • It is not sensitive to mild depression. The GDS may not be able to detect mild cases of depression.
  • It can be affected by physical health problems. Some physical health problems, such as pain and fatigue, can also cause symptoms that are similar to depression.

Available Versions

30-Items
15-Items

Reference

Yesavage, J. A., Brink, T. L., Rose, T. L., Lum, O., Huang, V., Adey, M., & Leirer, V. O. (1982). Development and validation of a geriatric depression screening scale: a preliminary report. Journal of psychiatric research, 17(1), 37–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3956(82)90033-4

Important Link

Scale File:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GDS?
A 30-item self-report scale to screen for depression in older adults.

How is the GDS scored?
A score of 15 or higher indicates depression.

Who can administer the GDS?
A healthcare professional, caregiver, or trained layperson.

What are the limitations of the GDS?
It is not specific to depression, not sensitive to mild depression, and can be affected by physical health problems.

Disclaimer

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