INSTRUCTIONS
Undertake the test orally. Obtain a clear yes or no answer. If necessary, repeat the question. Cross off either yes or no for each question (depressive answers are bold/italicised). Count up 1 for each depressive answer.
Scoring Intervals 0-4 No depression 5-10 Mild depression 11+ Severe depression
1. Are you basically satisfied with your life? Yes No
2. Have you dropped many of your activities and interests? Yes No
3. Do you feel happy most of the time? Yes No
4. Do you prefer to stay at home rather than going out and doing new things? Yes No
If none of the above responses suggests depression, STOP HERE. If any of the above responses suggests depression ask questions 5-15.
5. Do you feel that life is empty? Yes No
6. Do you often get bored? Yes No
7. Are you in good spirits most of the time? Yes No
8. Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you? Yes No
9. Do you feel helpless? Yes No
10. Do you feel that you have more problems with memory than most? Yes No
11. Do you think it is wonderful to be alive? Yes No
12. Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now? Yes No
13. Do you feel full of energy? Yes No
14. Do you feel that your situation is hopeless? Yes No
15. Do you think that most people are better off than you are? Yes No
Refs
1. Evaluation of the feasibility, reliability and diagnostic value of shortened versions of the geriatric depression scale. Van-Marwijk-HW; Wallace-P; de-Bock-GH; Hermans-J; Kaptein-AA; Mulder-JD Br-J-Gen-Pract. 1995 Apr; 45(393): 195-9
2. Screening for anxiety and depression in elderly medical outpatients. Neal-RM; Baldwin-RC. Age-Ageing. 1994 Nov; 23(6): 461-4
