Geriatric Depression Scale

(GDS) SHORT FORM

A self-administered depression scale for those over 65 which measures depression in the elderly.

CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER FOR HOW YOU FELT THIS PAST WEEK.


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 going out and doing 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 now?
 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
 

Score: _______ (Number of "depressed" answers - ones that are bold)

Answers in bold indicate depression.

For clinical purposes a score over 5 points is suggestive of depression and should warrent a follow-up interview. Scores over 10 are almost always depression.

Note: This is a self-report inventory. The validity of the result depends entirely on your honesty.


http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/depression/elderly_2a.asp

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