Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)

Natasha Tracy

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.

next: Seniors With Late Life Depression May Not Recover
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APA Reference
Tracy, N. (2008, December 3). Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, June 20 from https://www.healthyplace.com/depression/articles/geriatric-depression-scale-gds

Last Updated: June 23, 2016

Medically reviewed by Harry Croft, MD