GDS-15
Geriatric Depression Scale (15-item)
A short depression screen designed for older adults.
15
4 min
older adult (65+)
0–15
About the GDS-15
The Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) is a 15-item screen for depression in older adults. It uses a simple yes/no response format and deliberately omits somatic symptoms that overlap with physical illness and ageing, which makes it well suited to medically unwell and cognitively mild populations.
Each answer in the depressive direction scores one point, giving a total of 0 to 15. A score of 5 or more suggests depression and warrants further assessment.
What it measures
- Low mood, hopelessness, and dissatisfaction with life
- Loss of interest, withdrawal, and reduced activity
- Subjective memory and energy complaints framed for older adults
GDS-15 questions
- 1
Are you basically satisfied with your life?
No · Yes - 2
Have you dropped many of your activities and interests?
No · Yes - 3
Do you feel that your life is empty?
No · Yes - 4
Do you often get bored?
No · Yes - 5
Are you in good spirits most of the time?
No · Yes - 6
Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you?
No · Yes - 7
Do you feel happy most of the time?
No · Yes - 8
Do you often feel helpless?
No · Yes - 9
Do you prefer to stay at home rather than going out and doing new things?
No · Yes - 10
Do you feel you have more problems with memory than most?
No · Yes - 11
Do you think it is wonderful to be alive now?
No · Yes - 12
Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now?
No · Yes - 13
Do you feel full of energy?
No · Yes - 14
Do you feel that your situation is hopeless?
No · Yes - 15
Do you think that most people are better off than you are?
No · Yes
Items reproduced from a documented, freely usable source. Item wording is preserved exactly as published.
Scoring & interpretation
| Range | Band | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 | Normal | No indication of depression. |
| 5–9 | Suggestive of depression | Score ≥5 — further evaluation recommended. |
| 10–15 | Indicative of depression | Score ≥10 — depression is highly likely; clinical assessment recommended. |
Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
Clinical applications
- Depression screening in geriatric, residential-care, and medical settings
- Use where a simple yes/no format aids completion
Frequently asked questions
What GDS-15 score indicates depression?
A score of 5 or more suggests depression and warrants a fuller assessment; scores of 10 or more strongly indicate depression.
Source & references
Ready to administer this assessment?
Send it to clients in seconds, score automatically, and generate a clinician-ready report.