Process / pipelineGeriatric mental health assessment

Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)

The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a 30-item self-report depression screening instrument specifically designed for older adults. Developed by Yesavage, Brink, and colleagues in 1982, the GDS addresses the unique presentation of depression in aging populations, where symptoms may differ from younger adults. A validated 15-item short form (GDS-15) is widely used in primary care and community settings for rapid screening.

Open in MethodMindSoonVideoSoon

Read the full method

Members only

Sign in with a free account to read this section.

Sign in

Sources

  1. Yesavage, J. A., Brink, T. L., Rose, T. L., Lum, O., Huang, V., Adey, M., & Leirer, V. O. (1982). Development and validation of a geriatric depression screening scale: A preliminary report. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 17(1), 37-49. DOI: 10.1016/0022-3956(82)90033-4
  2. Sheikh, J. I., & Yesavage, J. A. (1986). Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): Recent evidence and development of a shorter version. Clinical Gerontologist, 5(3-4), 165-173. DOI: 10.1300/J018v05n03_09

Related methods

Referenced by

ScholarGateGeriatric Depression Scale (Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)). Retrieved 2026-06-04 from https://scholargate.app/en/clinical-psychology/gds-geriatric-depression