Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) This is suitable as a screening ...
Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) This is suitable as a screening ...
Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) This is suitable as a screening ...
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<strong>Geriatric</strong> <strong>Depression</strong> <strong>Scale</strong> (<strong>GDS</strong>)<br />
<strong>Th<strong>is</strong></strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>suitable</strong> <strong>as</strong> a <strong>screening</strong> test for depressive symptoms in the elderly; ideal for<br />
evaluating the clinical severity of depression, and therefore for monitoring treatment.<br />
It <strong>is</strong> e<strong>as</strong>y to admin<strong>is</strong>ter, needs no prior psychiatric knowledge and h<strong>as</strong> been well<br />
validated in many environments.<br />
The 4 item <strong>Geriatric</strong> <strong>Depression</strong> <strong>Scale</strong> <strong>is</strong> e<strong>as</strong>y and quick to perform with a high<br />
sensitivity and specificity. <strong>GDS</strong>-4 <strong>is</strong> of limited clinical value in monitoring the severity<br />
of the depressive ep<strong>is</strong>ode but more useful in excluding depression. If depression <strong>is</strong><br />
indicated you may w<strong>is</strong>h to use the <strong>GDS</strong>-15 scale<br />
Care must be taken <strong>as</strong> dementia and depression often co-ex<strong>is</strong>t. You may also w<strong>is</strong>h<br />
to consider using the GP COG <strong>screening</strong> tool for cognitive impairment. <strong>Th<strong>is</strong></strong> <strong>is</strong> a tool<br />
specifically designed for use in primary care. It can be found at www.gpcog.com.au<br />
The 4 item <strong>GDS</strong> questions are repeated on the next page in larger print if it <strong>is</strong> e<strong>as</strong>ier<br />
for you to show the questions to those with v<strong>is</strong>ual impairment or where hearing <strong>is</strong><br />
poor and it <strong>is</strong> a benefit for patients to read the questions<br />
4 item <strong>GDS</strong> Questions Circle One<br />
Answer<br />
Are you b<strong>as</strong>ically sat<strong>is</strong>fied with your life? yes NO<br />
Do you feel that your life <strong>is</strong> empty? YES no<br />
Are you afraid that something bad <strong>is</strong> going to YES no<br />
happen to you?<br />
Do you feel happy most of the time? yes NO<br />
Total<br />
Score<br />
To Score: If answer chosen <strong>is</strong> in CAPITALS then give 1 mark otherw<strong>is</strong>e 0<br />
Results:<br />
0 = Not Depressed<br />
1 = Uncertain<br />
2 to 4 = Depressed<br />
Ple<strong>as</strong>e remember to record th<strong>is</strong> result in your consultation using an appropriate<br />
READ code<br />
<strong>Th<strong>is</strong></strong> page w<strong>as</strong> l<strong>as</strong>t updated on 7 th June 2011.<br />
The original scale <strong>is</strong> in the public domain due to it being partly the result of US Federal support.
Questions<br />
Circle One<br />
answer<br />
Are you b<strong>as</strong>ically sat<strong>is</strong>fied with your life? yes NO<br />
Score<br />
Do you feel that your life <strong>is</strong> empty? YES no<br />
Are you afraid that something bad <strong>is</strong><br />
going to happen to you?<br />
YES<br />
no<br />
Do you feel happy most of the time? yes NO<br />
Total<br />
<strong>Th<strong>is</strong></strong> page w<strong>as</strong> l<strong>as</strong>t updated on 7 th June 2011.<br />
The original scale <strong>is</strong> in the public domain due to it being partly the result of US Federal support.
<strong>Th<strong>is</strong></strong> page w<strong>as</strong> l<strong>as</strong>t updated on 7 th June 2011.<br />
The original scale <strong>is</strong> in the public domain due to it being partly the result of US Federal support.
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