Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15 Short Form)

A 15-item yes/no questionnaire for screening depression in older adults. Higher scores indicate more depressive symptoms. A 5-item version (GDS-5) is also commonly used.

Warnings:
  • GDS is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument
  • Not validated for use in patients with moderate-severe dementia (Cornell Scale preferred)
  • Somatic questions are intentionally excluded to avoid false positives from medical illness
  • Score >=5 suggests depression; score >=10 is almost always indicative of depression
  • Should be followed by comprehensive clinical interview for diagnosis
  • Shorter versions (GDS-5, GDS-4) exist but may have lower accuracy
Note: GDS-15 questions selected from GDS-30 based on highest correlation with depression. GDS-5 alternative (cutoff >=2): Items 1, 4, 8, 10, 14 from GDS-15. Sensitivity ~94%, specificity ~81% for GDS-5. The scale is in the public domain.
Negative response indicates depression
Positive response indicates depression
Positive response indicates depression
Positive response indicates depression
Negative response indicates depression
Positive response indicates depression
Negative response indicates depression
Positive response indicates depression
Positive response indicates depression
Positive response indicates depression
Negative response indicates depression
Positive response indicates depression
Negative response indicates depression
Positive response indicates depression
Positive response indicates depression