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Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)

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A self-administered depression scale for those over 65.

CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER FOR HOW YOU FELT THIS PAST WEEK

*Are you basically satisfied with your life?yesNO
Have you dropped many of your activities and interests?YESno
Do you feel that your life is empty?YESno
Do you often get bored?YESno
*Are you hopeful about the future?yesNO
Are you bothered by thoughts you can't get out of your head?YESno
*Are you in good spirits most of the time?yesNO
Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you?YESno
*Do you feel happy most of the time?yesNO
Do you often feel helpless?YESno
Do you often get restless and fidgety?YESno
Do you prefer to stay at home, rather than going out and doing new things?YESno
Do you frequently worry about the future?YESno
Do you feel you have more problems with memory than most?YESno
*Do you think it is wonderful to be alive now?yesNO
Do you often feel downhearted and blue?YESno
Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now?YESno
Do you worry a lot about the past?YES>no
*Do you find life very exciting?yesNO
Is it hard for you to get started on new projects?YESno
*Do you feel full of energy?yesNO
Do you feel that your situation is hopeless?YESno
Do you think that most people are better off than you are?YESno
Do you frequently get upset over little things?YESno
Do you frequently feel like crying?YESno
Do you have trouble concentrating?YESno
*Do you enjoy getting up in the morning?yesNO
Do you prefer to avoid social gatherings?YESno
*Is it easy for you to make decisions?yesNO
*Is your mind as clear as it used to be?yesNO

*Appropriate (nondepressed) answers=yes.
All others=no
or count number of CAPITALIZED (depressed) answers

Normal5 + / - 4
Mildly depressed15 + / - 6
Very depressed23 + / - 5

Score: _____ (Number of "depressed" answers - ones that are capitalized)

Note: This is a self-report inventory. The validity of the result depends entirely on your honesty.

next: Seniors With Late Life Depression May Not Recover
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