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The Geriatric Depression Scale is a self-reported assessment of depression specifically designed for elders. The original GDS has 30 question assessment but shorter 15, 10 and even 5 question versions are available.1 One point is assigned to each answer that indicates the presence of depression. Ten or more points on the 30 question assessment could, along with a comprehensive exam given by a practitioner, lead to a diagnosis of major depression in an older individual. (There is some debate around how reliable this test is for those suffering with dementia.)
- Izal, M.,et.al. Optimising the diagnostic performance of the Geriatric Depression Scale. Psychiatry Research. Vol 178(1), June 30 2010, p. 142-146.
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