The GDS is a 30-item self-report assessment used to identify depression in the elderly. The participant is asked to respond “Yes” or “No” to a series of questions about how they have felt over the past week. This instrument may be used with healthy, medically ill, or mild to moderately cognitively impaired older adults.
Note: This assessment is given to participants ages 65-85 years old.
References: Brink T.L., Yesavage J.A., Lum O., Heersema P., Adey M.B., Rose T.L.: Screening tests for geriatric depression. Clinical Gerontologist 1: 37-44, 1982.
Sheikh J.I., Yesavage J.A.: 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.
Listed under Assessment Categories: Depression and Mood