Geriatric Depression Scale

 

Choose the best answer for how you felt over the past week:
Are you basically satisfied with your life?
		Yes (0 points)
		No (1 point)
Have you dropped many of your activities and interests?
		Yes (1 point)
		No (0 points)
Do you feel your life is empty?
		Yes (1 point)
		No (0 points)
Do you often get bored?
		Yes (1 point)
		No (0 points)
Are you in good spirits most of the time?
		Yes (0 points)
		No (1 point)
Are you afraid something bad is going to happen to you?
		Yes (1 point)
		No (0 points)
Do you feel happy most of the time?
		Yes (0 points)
		No (1 point)
Do you often feel helpless?
		Yes (1 point)
		No (0 points)
Do you prefer to stay home, rather than going out and doing new things?
		Yes (1 point)
		No (0 points)
Do you feel you have more problems with memory than most?
		Yes (1 point)
		No (0 points)
Do you think it is wonderful to be alive now?
		Yes (0 points)
		No (1 point)
Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now?
		Yes (1 point)
		No (0 points)
Do you feel full of energy?
		Yes (0 points)
		No (1 point)
Do you feel that your situation is hopeless?
		Yes (1 point)
		No (0 points)
Do you think that most people are better off than you?
		Yes (1 point)
		No (0 points)

 

Total Criteria Point Count:
 

 

Depression Scale

 

10 to 15 Points:	Depression likely present
6 to 9 Points:	Depression possible
0 to 5 Points:	Depression unlikely

 

 

References

1. Sheikh JI, Yesavage JA. Geriatric Depression Scale; recent evidence and development of a shorter version. Clin. Gerontol. 1986:5:165-172.
2. Sheikh JI, Yesavage JA, Brooks JO 3rd, et al. Proposed factor structure of the Geriatric Depression Scale. Int Psychogeriatr. 1991 Spring;3(1):23-8. PubMed ID: 1863703