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Geriatric Depression Scale

The Geriatric Depression Scale (abbreviated as GDS ) was developed as a basic screening measure for depression in older adults.

GDS is a standard measure of depression used in research and for the evaluation of effectiveness of depression therapies and treatments.

For whom is the test designed?

This depression screening test was originally developed to detect and monitor changes in depressive symptoms in mental health care setting. It can also be used in a primary care setting.

What precautions should I take?

Geriatric Depression Scale used to be administered by a clinician experienced in working with geriatric patients because of the the difficulty of the interpretation of some terms. But it is often self-administered.

Can you help me?

We commented the original questions to help you interpreting the terms and getting more accurate choice, thus more exact score.

This is an online depression test. Please read each group of statements very carefully. Just tick YES or NO, what you think being the most adequate for your case. Choose only one for each title (there is no chance to select more than one, anyway).

After answering all the questions, hit the 'Score Me' button. A new window will open with your score and result. Form Requirements: Javascript must be on for this form to work correctly (in the options or preferences section of your browser).

But don't forget: don't rely on the result obtained.

If you have problems with the test do not hesitate to contact us.

Geriatric Depression Scale

1. Are you basically satisfied with your life?
(Of course, there are bad things, but the question relates to your general satisfaction with life.)

YES
NO

2. Have you dropped many of your activities and interests?
(E.g. hobbies, social relations, friends, excursions)

YES
NO

3. Do you feel that your life is empty?
(Life is empty if you have no goals, no joys, no future.)

YES
NO

4. Do you often get bored?
(Things are not so interesting as before, there is no intention to do anything.)

YES
NO

5. Are you in good spirits most of the time?
(Not everyday but generally.)

YES
NO

6. Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you?
(E.g. Serious illness, death, poverty.)

YES
NO

7. Do you feel happy most of the time?
(Do you have rather good feelings during the day?)

YES
NO

8. Do you often feel helpless?
(Do you think that you are unable to manage life?)

YES
NO

9. Do you prefer to stay at home, rather than going out and doing new things?
(Do you feel the outside world unsafe? Do you think, that these things are not for you?)

YES
NO

10. Do you feel you have more problems with memory than most of the people?
(Do you have problems to memorize new things, remember the daily events?)

YES
NO

11. Do you think it is wonderful to be alive now?

YES
NO

12. Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now?

YES
NO

13. Do you feel full of energy?
(Do you have the energy necessary for a good life?)

YES
NO

14. Do you feel that your situation is hopeless?
(Maybe it would be better to die?)

YES
NO

15. Do you think that most people are better off than you are?

YES
NO

References:

Brink TL, Yesavage JA, Lum O, Heersema P, Adey MB, Rose TL: Screening tests for geriatric depression. Clinical Gerontologist 1: 37-44, 1982.

Yesavage JA, Brink TL, Rose TL, Lum O, Huang V, Adey MB, Leirer VO: Development and validation of a geriatric depression screening scale: A preliminary report. Journal of Psychiatric Research 17: 37-49, 1983.

Sheikh JI, Yesavage JA: 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.

Sheikh JI, Yesavage JA, Brooks JO, III, Friedman LF, Gratzinger P, Hill RD, Zadeik A, Crook T: Proposed factor structure of the Geriatric Depression Scale. International Psychogeriatrics 3: 23-28, 1991.

You may consider the following depression tests to evaluate your state further:

Beck Depression Inventory II
Beck Depression Inventory is a test measuring the severity of depression symptoms. Check your depression with this online depression test.

Hamilton Depression Scale
One of the most known depression test with 17 questions. Test your depression online.

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This site is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. If you feel that you have a health problem, you should seek the advice of your Physician or health care Practitioner.