Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) Calculator

questionnaire

Are you basically satisfied with your life?

Have you dropped many of your activities and interests?

Do you feel that your life is empty?

Do you often get bored?

Are you in good spirits most of the time?

Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you?

Do you feel happy most of the time?

Do you often feel helpless?

Do you prefer to stay at home, rather than going out and doing new things?

Do you feel you have more problems with memory than most?

Do you think it is wonderful to be alive now?

Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now?

Do you feel full of energy?

Do you feel that your situation is hopeless?

Do you think that most people are better off than you are?

✓ when to use

Use for depression screening in adults ≥65 years, particularly in geriatric assessment, care homes, rehabilitation, and primary care for older adults. The yes/no format is simpler than Likert-scale tools for patients with cognitive impairment. Preferred over PHQ-9 when somatic symptoms from medical comorbidities might inflate PHQ-9 scores.

✗ when not to use

Not validated in moderate-severe dementia (patients cannot reliably self-report). The yes/no format sacrifices granularity compared to PHQ-9. Does not include a suicidal ideation item — supplement with a direct safety question if clinical concern exists. In younger adults, PHQ-9 or GAD-7 are preferred.

clinical pearls

The GDS-15's major advantage over PHQ-9 in elderly patients is that it avoids somatic symptoms. Fatigue, sleep disturbance, and appetite changes are common in older adults from medical causes — PHQ-9 scores these, potentially inflating the score. GDS focuses on mood and cognitive-affective symptoms.
The yes/no format makes the GDS easier for patients with mild cognitive impairment to complete than Likert-scale tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7). However, in moderate-severe dementia, even yes/no responses become unreliable.
Note that some items are reverse-scored (items 1, 5, 7, 11, 13 — 'Yes' = 0 points). Ensure correct scoring direction for each item.
The GDS-15 does not include a suicidal ideation question. If a patient screens positive, always ask directly about suicidal thoughts as part of the clinical follow-up.
Depression in older adults often presents atypically — with irritability, withdrawal, somatic complaints, or cognitive symptoms ('pseudodementia') rather than classic low mood. The GDS captures some of these atypical features (items about interest, boredom, energy, helplessness).

✓ when to use

✗ when not to use

clinical pearls

The GDS-15's major advantage over PHQ-9 in elderly patients is that it avoids somatic symptoms. Fatigue, sleep disturbance, and appetite changes are common in older adults from medical causes — PHQ-9 scores these, potentially inflating the score. GDS focuses on mood and cognitive-affective symptoms.
The yes/no format makes the GDS easier for patients with mild cognitive impairment to complete than Likert-scale tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7). However, in moderate-severe dementia, even yes/no responses become unreliable.
Note that some items are reverse-scored (items 1, 5, 7, 11, 13 — 'Yes' = 0 points). Ensure correct scoring direction for each item.
The GDS-15 does not include a suicidal ideation question. If a patient screens positive, always ask directly about suicidal thoughts as part of the clinical follow-up.
Depression in older adults often presents atypically — with irritability, withdrawal, somatic complaints, or cognitive symptoms ('pseudodementia') rather than classic low mood. The GDS captures some of these atypical features (items about interest, boredom, energy, helplessness).

Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)

questionnaire

✓ when to use

✗ when not to use

clinical pearls

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