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Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)

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

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

Normal 5 + / - 4
Mildly depressed 15 + / - 6
Very depressed 23 + / - 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.

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APA Reference
Tracy, N. (2008, December 3). Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, March 28 from https://www.healthyplace.com/depression/articles/geriatric-depression-scale-gds

Last Updated: June 23, 2016

Medically reviewed by Harry Croft, MD

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