The Geriatric Depression Scale can be used to evaluate the elderly individual for depressive symptoms. It is a self-rating instrument that is easy to answer and geared towards the geriatric patient.
The instrument consists of 30 questions which are answered as yes or no.
0 points are given for a positive answer and 1 point for a negative response.
where:
• Points are assigned for depressive responses.
• "No" answers considered depressive responses: questions 1, 5, 7, 9, 15, 19, 21, 27, 29, 30
• "Yes" answers considered depressive responses: questions 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28
score =
= SUM (points for all 30 questions)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 30
• The results should be interpreted with discretion.
|
Score
|
Interpretation
|
|
0 to 10
|
not increased and are "normal" for the elderly
|
|
11 to 13
|
borderline
|
|
14 to 30
|
increased and associated with depression
|
