Description

The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) is a widely used screening instrument developed by Sheikh and Yesavage (1986) to identify depressive symptoms in older adults. It consists of 15 Yes/No questions that focus on the emotional and psychological aspects of depression while minimizing the influence of physical symptoms associated with ageing. The scale is simple, quick to administer, and suitable for both clinical practice and research.

Purpose

The GDS-15 is designed to screen for depression in older adults, identify individuals who may require further psychological evaluation, monitor changes over time, and assess the effectiveness of clinical interventions. It is a screening tool and should not be used as a standalone diagnostic instrument.

Scoring

Each depressive response scores one point, producing a total score ranging from 0 to 15. Higher scores indicate greater depressive symptom severity. Commonly used cut-off values are 0–5 (no depression), 6–10 (possible mild to moderate depression), and 11–15 (probable severe depression), although thresholds may vary depending on the population and validation study.

Data Analysis

The GDS-15 score can be analyzed using descriptive statistics, group comparisons, correlation analyses, regression models, and psychometric methods such as reliability and validity testing. It is frequently used in epidemiological studies and clinical research investigating mental health and ageing.

Reliability and Validity

The GDS-15 demonstrates good internal consistency, high sensitivity and specificity, and has been translated and validated in numerous languages and cultural settings, making it one of the most reliable depression screening tools for older adults.

References

Sheikh, J. I., & Yesavage, J. A. (1986). Clinical Gerontologist, 5(1–2), 165–173.

Yesavage, J. A., & Sheikh, J. I. (1986). Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 34(6), 386–391.