This calculator is for general information and education. It is not medical advice and does not replace the judgment of a doctor, nurse or pharmacist who knows the full clinical picture.
Screening for depression in later life
Depression in older adults is common and often missed. It can look like tiredness, poor memory or withdrawal, and many screening tools rely on physical symptoms such as poor sleep or appetite that are frequent with age anyway. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was developed by Yesavage and colleagues for this population, with simple yes or no questions about mood and outlook. The 15-item short form, published by Sheikh and Yesavage in 1986, takes about 5 minutes and is in the public domain.
How it is scored
The person answers about how they felt over the past week. Each answer that suggests depression scores 1 point:
- For 10 questions, such as feeling that life is empty or often feeling helpless, yes scores the point.
- For 5 questions, about being satisfied with life, in good spirits, happy, glad to be alive and full of energy, no scores the point.
The total ranges from 0 to 15.
Interpreting the score
- 0 to 4: normal range
- 5 to 8: mild depressive symptoms
- 9 to 11: moderate depressive symptoms
- 12 to 15: severe depressive symptoms
Many clinicians consider a score above 5 worth a follow-up assessment, and a score of 10 or more almost always reflects depression.
Example
An older adult who answers that they often get bored and feel their memory is worse than most, but is otherwise positive, scores 2, in the normal range.
Limits of the scale
The GDS is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Its answers can be affected by dementia, hearing or language difficulties, and by illness or medication. A high score calls for a medical assessment to confirm depression, look for other causes and discuss treatment, which works at any age. If someone talks about wanting to die or harming themselves, seek help right away; in the US, call or text 988.