What this depression test measures
The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was developed as a basic screening measure for depression in older adults [1]. This page uses the 15-question short form, often called the GDS-15, and is aimed at people aged 65 and over. Each question asks for a yes or no answer about how you have felt over the past week [2].
The questions cover life satisfaction, dropped activities and interests, feeling empty or bored, your spirits and happiness, fear that something bad will happen, feeling helpless, worthless or hopeless, preferring to stay at home, memory, energy, and whether most people seem better off than you.
Who developed it
The original 30-question GDS was created by Yesavage and colleagues [2]. The short form was published by Sheikh and Yesavage in 1986 [1]. It kept the questions from the long form that were most closely linked with depressive symptoms in validation studies [2]. The scale is in the public domain [1].
The short form is easier to use for people who are physically ill, and for people with mild to moderate dementia who may tire easily or find it hard to concentrate for long [2].
How the GDS-15 is scored
Each question has one answer that points towards depression. For 10 questions that answer is "yes". For questions 1, 5, 7, 11 and 13 it is "no" [2]. Each of those answers scores 1 point, for a total from 0 to 15 [2].
The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing publishes these ranges [2]:
| Total score | What it suggests |
|---|---|
| 0-4 | Normal, depending on age, education and complaints |
| 5-8 | Mild depression |
| 9-11 | Moderate depression |
| 12-15 | Severe depression |
Two rules sit alongside the table:
- More than 5 points is suggestive of depression and should lead to a fuller follow-up assessment [2]. The scale's author says people scoring higher than 5 should be interviewed carefully [1].
- 10 points or more is almost always a sign of depression [2].
The mild range starts at 5, but the follow-up rule starts above 5. Both are shown here as published.
What this test does not ask
The GDS does not ask about thoughts of suicide [2]. The Hartford guide says any score above 5 should lead to an in-depth assessment that includes asking about suicidal thoughts [2]. If you, or the person you are helping, have thoughts of death or of not wanting to be alive, please use the contacts at the end of this page today.
What your result can and cannot tell you
The GDS is not a substitute for a diagnostic interview with a mental health professional [2]. It is a useful screening tool, especially when a first score is compared with later ones [2].
Depression and depressive symptoms are common in older age, but they are not a natural part of ageing [2]. Age UK makes the same point: being worried, low or out of sorts is not just part and parcel of getting older [4]. The NHS describes depression as feeling persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days [6].
How accurate is it?
A 2016 review found 32 studies on short versions of the GDS [3]. For the GDS-15 at the recommended cut-off score of 5, sensitivity was 0.89 and specificity was 0.77 [3].
In plain terms, it picked up most older adults who had depression on a diagnostic interview, but roughly one in four people without depression still screened positive. The reviewers added that some studies may have reported only their most favourable cut-offs, so the figures should be read with caution [3].
What to do next in the UK
- If your score is 0 to 4 and you feel you are coping, take the test again if things change, for example after a loss or a new diagnosis.
- If your score is above 5, or you are worried whatever the number, speak to your GP. The NHS advises getting help from a GP if you think you may be depressed [6], and Age UK suggests asking your GP about talking therapies [4].
- In England, you can refer yourself to NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression without speaking to a GP [7]. You need to be 18 or over and live in England, and you do not need a diagnosis [8].
- In Scotland, your GP practice is the first place to go when it is open [10].
- In Northern Ireland, your GP may treat you directly or refer you to mental health services [13].
- In Wales, your GP can refer you to local primary mental health services, which then have a duty to assess you [16].
- For information and advice, the Age UK Advice Line is free on 0800 678 1602, from 8am to 7pm, 365 days a year, for older people and their families, friends and carers [5].
If you need help now
- If your life or someone else's is at risk, or you cannot keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E [9].
- England: call 111 and select the mental health option [9].
- Scotland: phone NHS 24 on 111 and choose the mental health option [10].
- Wales: call 111 and press option 2. It is free and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for all ages [11].
- Northern Ireland: call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. It is free and open 24 hours every day [12].
- Anywhere in the UK: call Samaritans free on 116 123, day or night [14], or text the word SHOUT to 85258 for free text support at any time [15].