GDS-15: Geriatric Depression Scale
15-item yes/no depression screener validated for adults aged 60+. Excludes somatic items that inflate scores in older adults. Score ≥5 indicates possible depression.
GDS-15 Score Interpreter
At or above the recommended screening threshold (≥5); further evaluation is advised.
15 yes/no items; 10 score 1 point for 'Yes' and 5 reverse-scored items score 1 point for 'No'. Higher scores indicate more depressive symptoms.
| Total score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 12+ | Severe depressive symptomsScore in the severe range; clinical evaluation is strongly warranted. |
| 8–11 | Moderate depressive symptomsModerate symptom range; further clinical assessment is recommended. |
| 5–7 | Mild depressive symptomsAt or above the recommended screening threshold (≥5); further evaluation is advised. |
| 0–4 | Minimal depressive symptomsScore below the screening threshold; depressive symptoms appear minimal. |
≥5 screening cutoff per Pocklington et al. 2016 meta-analysis (pooled sensitivity 0.89, specificity 0.77 across 32 studies). Finer severity bands reflect commonly used clinical convention. Educational reference only — not a diagnostic tool.
The GDS-15 is a validated 15-item yes/no depression scale specifically designed for older adults. Score 0–15; ≥5 indicates possible depression. Simple format suitable for older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment. Yesavage et al. (1982). Public domain.
What is the Geriatric Depression Scale?
The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was developed by Jerome Yesavage, T. L. Brink, and colleagues (1982, 1983) specifically to address the unique challenges of measuring depression in older adults. Traditional depression scales often conflate somatic symptoms (fatigue, sleep problems, weight changes) with medical illness common in older patients, leading to false positives. The GDS was designed to minimize somatic items and focus on psychological and behavioural aspects of depression.
The original GDS contains 30 items. The GDS-15 Short Form, developed by Sheikh and Yesavage (1986), uses 15 yes/no questions, making it faster and suitable for patients with mild cognitive impairment. Each question is answered Yes or No; 10 items score 1 point for "Yes" and 5 items score 1 point for "No" (positive items are reverse-scored). Total scores range from 0 to 15.
The GDS is in the public domain and widely validated across diverse older adult populations, including those in residential care, with physical illness, and with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment. It has been translated into over 30 languages. A cutoff of ≥5 indicates possible depression warranting further evaluation.
Educational reference only. Cannot diagnose or replace clinical evaluation.
GDS-15 Score Interpretation
Sheikh & Yesavage (1986). Validated in community-dwelling older adults and residential care populations. The GDS does not directly assess suicidality.
Geriatric Depression Screening in HiBoop
GDS-15 alongside PHQ-9 and HAM-D, automated scoring and longitudinal tracking to monitor depression in older adult patient populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the GDS-15 scored?
The GDS-15 contains 15 yes/no questions. Ten items score 1 point for a 'Yes' answer; the remaining 5 positively worded items are reverse-scored and score 1 point for a 'No' answer. Total scores range from 0 to 15, with higher scores indicating more depressive symptoms.
What score on the GDS-15 indicates possible depression?
A score of 5 or higher is the commonly recommended threshold for possible depression, warranting further clinical evaluation. A 2016 meta-analysis by Pocklington et al. found this cutoff achieved pooled sensitivity of 0.89 and specificity of 0.77 across 32 studies. Scores of 0–4 suggest minimal depressive symptoms.
Is the GDS-15 self-administered or clinician-administered?
The GDS-15 is designed as a self-report instrument, though it can also be administered by a clinician or interviewer. Its simple yes/no format makes it suitable for older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment. It is not a substitute for a full clinical evaluation.
Can the GDS-15 diagnose depression?
No. The GDS-15 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A score at or above the screening threshold indicates that further evaluation by a qualified clinician is warranted. Diagnosis requires a comprehensive clinical assessment.
Does the GDS-15 assess suicide risk?
The GDS-15 does not directly screen for suicidality. Research has found a low correlation between GDS-15 scores and suicide attempt status. Clinicians should use dedicated risk assessment approaches when suicidality is a concern.
References
- 1.Yesavage JA, Brink TL, Rose TL, et al. Development and validation of a geriatric depression screening scale: a preliminary report. J Psychiatr Res. 1982–1983;17(1):37–49.View source
- 2.Sheikh JI, Yesavage JA. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): recent evidence and development of a shorter version. Clinical Gerontology: A Guide to Assessment and Intervention. Haworth Press. 1986:165-173.
- 3.Pocklington C, Gilbody S, Manea L, McMillan D. The diagnostic accuracy of brief versions of the Geriatric Depression Scale: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2016;31(8):837–57.View source
- 4.Krishnamoorthy Y, Rajaa S, Rehman T. Diagnostic accuracy of various forms of geriatric depression scale for screening of depression among older adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2020;87:104002.View source
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The GDS-15: Geriatric Depression Scale qualifies for reimbursement under these CPT codes (US).
Last reviewed: Jun 3, 2026
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