Instructions for Geriatrics Depression Scale (GDS-S): Scoring The Short Form
The GDS-S should be given orally. A clear YES or NO answer is required for each question. If necessary, repeat the question but do not accept a qualified answer from the test-taker. Cross off either yes or no for each question. Depressive answers (errors) are circled on the form and are bolded below. Count up 1 for each depressive answer (error). The final score is the tally of the number of depressive answers with the following scores indicating depression.
0-4 No depression
5-10 Suggestive of a mild depression
11+ Suggestive of severe depression
What to do if a patient does not answer a few items.
For example, if 3 of 15 items are not answered then the, total score is score on 12 completed PLUS 3/15ths of total score to make-up for omitted items, e.g. if they got a 4 on the 12 they completed or 1/3 positive, add 1/3 of the 3 missing or 1 point for a total of 5.
What if the patient is aphasic?
Use a point-board, or a board with the scale and yes/no next to the items and have patient point out correct answer. If the patient is aphasic due to dementia then other measures should be used to determine the patients level of depression.