MDCalc

Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)

Identifies possible depression in older adults.

Please ask your patient to choose the best answer for how they felt over the past week:

Are you basically satisfied with your life?

Have you dropped many of your 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?

Result:

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Advice
  • Patients scoring 5 or higher should undergo a formal diagnostic evaluation for depression before treatment is initiated.
  • For patients scoring below 5, continue routine depression screening and reevaluate if concerning symptoms arise.
Critical Actions
  • Always perform a suicide risk assessment for patients with suspected depression.
  • Ensure alternative diagnoses are ruled out during the formal diagnostic evaluation.
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