Geriatric Depression Scale (Short Form) — Quick Screening for Depression in Older Adults
Yes/no screening tool for depressive symptoms in older adults.
The Geriatric Depression Scale (Short Form) is a brief, evidence-based yes/no screening tool for depressive symptoms in older adults. Designed for geriatric populations, this 15-item questionnaire helps detect symptoms of depression, monitor changes over time, and guide conversations with clinicians, caregivers, or family members. Using simple yes/no responses, the scale is quick to complete and optimized for screening in primary care, geriatric clinics, and community settings.
This online version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (Short Form) preserves the original scoring approach to provide an immediate, actionable score. It is intended for screening and awareness — not for making a clinical diagnosis. If your score suggests possible depression, the next step is to discuss results with a healthcare professional experienced in geriatric mental health for a comprehensive assessment and treatment planning.
Are you basically satisfied with your life?
General life satisfaction over recent weeks.
Have you dropped many of your activities and interests?
Loss of interest or withdrawal from usual activities.
Do you feel that your life is empty?
Feelings of emptiness or lack of meaning.
Do you often get bored?
Frequent boredom or lack of engagement.
Are you in good spirits most of the time?
Overall mood and positive affect.
Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you?
Worries, anticipatory anxiety, or fear.
Do you feel happy most of the time?
Frequency of feeling happy or content.
Do you often feel helpless?
Feelings of helplessness or lack of control.
Do you prefer to stay at home, rather than going out and doing new things?
Social withdrawal or avoidance of activities.
Do you feel you have more problems with memory than most?
Self-perceived memory difficulties relative to peers.
Do you think it is wonderful to be alive now?
Positive outlook and appreciation for life.
Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now?
Low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness.
Do you feel full of energy?
Perceived energy and vitality.
Do you feel that your situation is hopeless?
Hopelessness or pessimism about the future.
Do you think that most people are better off than you are?
Negative social comparison and perceived disadvantage.
Frequently asked questions
The Geriatric Depression Scale (Short Form) is a 15-item yes/no screening questionnaire developed to identify depressive symptoms in older adults. It is widely used in primary care, geriatrics, and research to screen for possible depression quickly and easily.
Each item is scored 0 or 1 depending on the response; the total score ranges from 0 to 15. Higher scores indicate more depressive symptoms. Common interpretive cutoffs are 0–4 (normal), 5–8 (mild), 9–11 (moderate), and 12–15 (severe). Screening results should be followed by clinical assessment.
No. This quiz is a screening tool intended to identify individuals who may have depressive symptoms. A formal diagnosis requires a comprehensive clinical evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
If your score indicates mild to severe depressive symptoms, share the results with your primary care provider, geriatrician, or a mental health professional. They can perform a full assessment, discuss treatment options (therapy, medication, social supports), and develop a care plan.
Frequency depends on clinical context. For monitoring treatment or when symptoms change, the GDS-SF can be repeated every few weeks to months. Routine annual screening may be appropriate in primary care for at-risk individuals; follow your clinician's recommendations.
Yes. The GDS-SF is a self-report screening instrument and can be influenced by medical conditions, cognitive impairment, cultural factors, or response bias. It should not replace clinical judgment and comprehensive assessment.
This online screening is intended for informational use. Confidentiality depends on the platform hosting the quiz. For personal health concerns, use secure, privacy-compliant tools and discuss results in a confidential clinical setting.
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