Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form

Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form

Geriatric Depression Scale short form is GDS. The geriatric depression scale is a screening instrument that is used to identify older adults who may be at risk for developing depressive symptoms. The scale consists of 15 yes/no questions about the presence and frequency of suicidal ideation, hopelessness, feeling downhearted and blue, irritability, loss of appetite, and sleep disturbance. The GDS is used to identify geriatric patients who may be at risk for developing depressive symptoms. This can be helpful for physicians and nurses who are treating older patients in general because it is an easy screening tool to use.

Geriatric Depression Scale was created to identify if a client is suffering from depression. This scale is a short and easy way to make a diagnosis and determine whether a client needs to be treated. The GDS is a scale that is split into two categories: somatic and affective. Somatic depression is characterized by symptoms such as appetite, interest, and sleep disorders.