Depression Screen

Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)

The 15-question short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale, scored automatically, with the cut-offs and next steps.

The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a screening questionnaire for depression in older adults. The 15-item short form (GDS-15) uses simple yes/no questions about how the person has felt over the past week, and takes about five minutes.

It was designed for older people because it leaves out the physical symptoms, such as poor sleep or low energy, that are common with ageing and illness and can inflate scores on general depression scales. It's in the public domain.

Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)
Zdrovia: https://www.zdrovia.ca/resources/geriatric-depression-scale/

Depression Screen

Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)

Answer the 15 yes/no questions about how the person has felt over the past week. Each answer that points toward depression scores 1.

1. Are you basically satisfied with your life?

2. Have you dropped many of your activities and interests?

3. Do you feel that your life is empty?

4. Do you often get bored?

5. Are you in good spirits most of the time?

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

7. Do you feel happy most of the time?

8. Do you often feel helpless?

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

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

11. Do you think it is wonderful to be alive now?

12. Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now?

13. Do you feel full of energy?

14. Do you feel that your situation is hopeless?

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

Total score

0/ 15

0 of 15 items scored

Score every item to see the result

Item breakdown

1. Are you basically satisfied with your life?–

2. Have you dropped many of your activities and interests?–

3. Do you feel that your life is empty?–

4. Do you often get bored?–

5. Are you in good spirits most of the time?–

6. Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you?–

7. Do you feel happy most of the time?–

8. Do you often feel helpless?–

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

10. Do you feel you have more problems with memory than most?–

11. Do you think it is wonderful to be alive now?–

12. Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now?–

13. Do you feel full of energy?–

14. Do you feel that your situation is hopeless?–

15. Do you think that most people are better off than you are?–

Bands: 0–4 normal · 5–8 mild · 9–11 moderate · 12–15 severe. Scores above 5 suggest depression; 10 or more almost always indicates depression.

The GDS is a screen, not a diagnosis. If the person mentions thoughts of suicide or self-harm, act on it immediately: in Canada, call or text 9-8-8.

Short form from Sheikh JI, Yesavage JA, Clin Gerontol 1986. The GDS is in the public domain: Stanford GDS site.

These results are estimates based on published clinical data and are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. Consult a licensed aesthetic practitioner before beginning any treatment. Individual results vary.

Zdrovia's smart blocks drop validated scales into the visit note, keep every item score, and graph the total across visits so the trend is visible at a glance. See how smart blocks work →

GDS-15 scoring

One point for each answer in the depressive direction:

Questions	Score 1 point for
1, 5, 7, 11, 13	No
2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15	Yes

GDS-15 interpretation

Score	Interpretation
0–4	Normal
5–8	Mild depression
9–11	Moderate depression
12–15	Severe depression

A score above 5 suggests depression and warrants follow-up; 10 or more almost always indicates depression.

Smart blocks in Zdrovia

Score it straight into the chart

Zdrovia's smart blocks drop validated scales into the visit note, keep every item score, and graph the total across visits so the trend is visible at a glance.

Start free, no card required See how smart blocks work →

Using the GDS-15

The person can complete it themselves or answer it aloud. Score one point for each answer in the depressive direction. A score above 5 suggests depression and should be followed by a clinical assessment; the GDS screens, it doesn't diagnose.

It works less well in moderate to severe dementia, where answers become unreliable. In that situation, an observer-rated tool such as the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia is more appropriate.

Safety first

Whatever the score, ask directly about thoughts of self-harm if there's any concern, and act on the answer. In Canada, the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is available by phone or text at any time.

Therapy practice software →Score questionnaires in the session note and see the change across sessions with Zdrovia's therapy practice software.

Documenting sessions: BIRP note template →

Cognitive screen: MoCA score interpretation →