A Test to Spot Depression in Elderly People

Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)

When it comes to depression in an elderly person, a geriatrician will collect the information of the elderly person, including their family medical history and clinical history, and they will then proceed in carrying out a physical examination.
But, in support of the diagnosis of depression in elderly people, there is also a specific test, called Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) that is used to identify symptoms of depression in older adults. This scale was developed in 1982 and it is the most famous screening test used with healthy adults, medically ill adults, and those with mild to moderate cognitive impairment.

How does the Geriatric Depression Scale works?

Originally, the questionnaire consisted of 30 items, but the following 15-item geriatric depression scale has recently been validated for clinical application. It is therefore a tool consisting of 15 questions – with yes or no answers – each of which is assigned a score of 1 or 0.

The final score can range from 0 (no signs of depressive symptoms) to 15 (Probable presence of depression) with an intermediate state between 6 and 9 points in which the symptoms show a fair possibility of depression and which must, therefore, be evaluated by a specialist doctor or a licensed psychologist.
elderly depression

Questions on the Test to Evaluate Depression in Elderly People

When listening to the questions, choose the best answer for how you have felt over the past week:

1. Are you basically satisfied with your life? YES / NO
2. Have you dropped many of your activities and interests? YES / NO
3. Do you feel that your life is empty? YES / NO
4. Do you often get bored? YES / NO
5. Are you in good spirits most of the time? YES / NO
6. Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you? YES / NO
7. Do you feel happy most of the time? YES / NO
8. Do you often feel helpless? YES / NO
9. Do you prefer to stay at home, rather than going out and doing new things? YES / NO
10. Do you reckon you have more problems with memory than most of the people? YES / NO
11. Do you think your life is wonderful right now? YES / NO
12. Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now? YES / NO
13. Do you feel full of energy? YES / NO
14. Do you feel that your situation is hopeless? YES / NO
15. Do you think that most people are better off than you are? YES / NO

test to evaluate depression in elderly people

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What is the Geriatric Depression Scale based on?

In order to screen for symptoms of depression rather than factors associated with aging, the GDS test for the evaluation of depression in elderly people focuses specifically on psychiatric rather than somatic symptoms. The GDS consists of questions that assess a person’s level of enjoyment, interest, social interactions and more.

Reliability of the Test

According to multiple research studies, both the long and the short form GDS are quite accurate at identifying depression in older people. Also, research has found that the GDS can be used in the early to middle stages of Alzheimer’s disease where it provides an accurate evaluation of the situation.
While a depression diagnosis should not be given based on the result of the GDS alone, it is often included as part of a diagnostic assessment due to the scale’s established reliability and validity.

Where to do it

If you think you or a loved one might be suffering by depression, you can ask your GP for help. You might be referred to a Geriatrician, a Psychologist or a Psychiatrist. If leaving home for an appointment is not an option, you can easily access an online video consultation or request for a private home visit.