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GERIATRIC DEPRESSION RATING SCALE

Brink et al., 1982; Yesavage et al., 1983 - SHORT version  - Sheik et al., 1986
 

       DATE:           TIME (24hr): 

Choose the best answer for how you have felt over the past week:

Yes / No

Text Box: To know how to grow old is the master work of wisdom and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living.

[]   []   1. Are you basically satisfied with your life?
[
]   []   2. Have you dropped many of your activities and interests?
[
]   []   3. Do you feel that your life is empty?
[
]   []   4. Do you often get bored?
[
]   []   5. Are you in good spirits most of the time?
[
]   []   6. Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you?
[
]   []   7. Do you feel happy most of the time?
[
]   []   8. Do you often feel helpless?
[
]   []   9. Do you prefer to stay at home, rather than going out and doing new things?
[
]   [] 10. Do you feel you have more problems with memory than most?
[
]   [] 11. Do you think it is wonderful to be alive now
[
]   [] 12. Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now
[
]   [] 13. Do you feel full of energy?
[
]   [] 14. Do you feel that your situation is hopeless?
[
]   [] 15. Do you think that most people are better off than you are?

TOTAL  GDS:  

(GDS  maximum score = 15)

Score

What does it mean (Severity)?

Necessary follow up.

0 to 4 Normal, depending on age, education and complaints. If you are concerned, discuss these symptoms with your treating physician.
5 to 8 Mild Discuss these symptoms with your treating physician or make an appointment with a mental health professional soon.
8 to 11 Moderate Immediate attention is needed.  There is significant cause for concern, contact a local mental health center or see your treating physician today.
12 to 15 Severe Immediate attention is needed.  There is significant cause for concern, contact a local mental health center or see your treating physician today.  There is help available.  If you are unsure who to call contact 911 for guidance.

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Electronic form developed at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Hospital
  by Wes Ashford, M.D., Ph.D. and Anil Sharma, M.D.
Neither the GDS nor this electronic form are protected by copyright.
There is no individual or agency that takes responsibility for the results obtained
with this test or this form.

© 2006 Calm Waters Psychological Services