Geriatric Depression Scale
A validated self-report screening tool designed specifically to detect depressive symptoms in older adults, using a yes/no response format to reduce cognitive demand.
Full Definition
The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), developed by Yesavage and colleagues in 1982, exists in 30-item (GDS-30) and 15-item (GDS-15) versions, with the shorter form preferred in rehabilitation settings where patient fatigue is a factor. Unlike generic depression inventories, the GDS avoids somatic items (such as sleep and appetite) that may reflect physical illness rather than mood disorder in older adults. Editors should capitalise the full instrument name and expand GDS on first use; the numeric suffix (GDS-15 or GDS-30) must be included when comparing scores across assessments. Substituting the GDS for the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) without clinical justification is a common documentation error in geriatric rehabilitation records.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify whether GDS-15 or GDS-30 is used. The GDS is not validated for use in people with moderate-to-severe dementia; note if another tool (e.g., Cornell Scale) is substituted.
In Context
- "Geriatric Depression Scale–15 (GDS-15) screening on admission revealed a score of 9, indicating probable depression requiring further evaluation." — Geriatric rehabilitation admission assessment
- "The team noted that the GDS-15 was not appropriate for this patient given her advanced dementia, and the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia was used instead." — Interdisciplinary team meeting minutes