Psychiatry Geriatrics General Medicine A

Geriatric Depression Scale-15

15-item yes/no scale validated for depression screening in the elderly.

Are you basically satisfied with your life?

Have you dropped many activities and interests?

Do you feel that your life is empty?

Do you often get bored?

Are you in good spirits most of the time?

Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you?

Do you feel happy most of the time?

Do you often feel helpless?

Do you prefer to stay at home rather than going out and doing new things?

Do you feel you have more problems with memory than most?

Do you think it is wonderful to be alive now?

Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now?

Do you feel full of energy?

Do you feel that your situation is hopeless?

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

Score interpretation

Normal 0–4

Score 0–4: No significant depression

→ No intervention needed; routine follow-up

Mild Depression 5–8

Score 5–8: Mild depression

→ Monitor; consider GP referral; life review therapy

Moderate Depression 9–11

Score 9–11: Moderate depression

→ Psychiatric referral; consider antidepressants (watch for polypharmacy)

Severe Depression 12–15

Score 12–15: Severe depression

→ Urgent psychiatric assessment; assess for suicidality

Interpretation bands for the GDS-15. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

Sheikh JI, Yesavage JA. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): Recent evidence and development of a shorter version. Clin Gerontologist. 1986;5(1–2):165-173.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.