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Introduction:

The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) is a validated self-report questionnaire designed for older adults to screen quickly and non-invasively for depressive symptoms. Each item probes mood, motivation, social engagement, or cognitive concerns, enabling professionals and individuals to detect emerging affective changes that could otherwise be mistaken for typical ageing.

This online screening tool presents each statement with simple Yes-or-No buttons. It scores one point whenever a response aligns with a depressive indicator, accounting for six reverse-worded items that reduce bias. The reactive engine totals the fifteen answers in real time, assigns a severity band, and feeds the figure to a gauge charting layer for immediate visual feedback.

Imagine a caregiver noticing that a 72-year-old parent has become socially withdrawn; completing the questionnaire together offers a structured conversation starter and a data-backed prompt for scheduling a primary-care visit. This quick activity usually takes under two minutes, making it suitable for community screenings or routine check-ins. Results do not constitute a clinical diagnosis; always discuss concerns with a qualified health-care professional.

Technical Details:

1. Concept Overview

The GDS-15 converts binary self-reported feelings into a summed index of depressive symptom burden. Affirmative responses signalling dysphoria score one; affirmative answers on positively worded items score zero through reverse coding. Validation studies show sensitivity above 0.80 and specificity near 0.75 versus structured clinical interviews, offering a fatigue-saving alternative to lengthier scales.

2. Core Equation

SumScore = i=1 15 si
  • si – 1 if the response indicates depression, else 0.
  • Reverse-coded for items 1, 5, 7, 11, 13, 15.

3. Interpretation

ScoreBandImplication
0 – 4NormalWithin typical mood range.
5 – 8MildMonitor; consider lifestyle adjustments.
9 – 11ModerateProfessional discussion advisable.
12 – 15SeverePrompt clinical evaluation recommended.

4. Variables & Parameters

  • responseY or N for each question.
  • reverse – flag identifying positively worded items.
  • Total Score – integer 0 to 15.
  • Severity Band – Normal, Mild, Moderate, Severe.

5. Worked Example

A respondent answers Yes to items 2, 3, 6, 8 and No to all others. After reverse coding, 4 of 15 items score 1, yielding a Total Score of 4 and a Normal band.

6. Assumptions & Limitations

  • Assumes comprehension of each statement.
  • Captures mood over the previous week only.
  • Not validated for severe cognitive impairment.
  • Scores fluctuate with transient life events.

7. Edge Cases & Error Sources

  • All questions unanswered (score suppressed).
  • Uniform Yes or No patterns indicating acquiescence bias.
  • Inconsistent interpretations across cultures.
  • Caregiver-filled forms without respondent input.

8. Scientific Validity & References

Core validation: Sheikh & Yesavage (1986); systematic review: Mitchell et al. (2010). Comparative studies highlight reliability against the 30-item GDS and DSM-IV structured interviews.

9. Privacy & Compliance

No identifying data leaves the browser, supporting GDPR Article 5 principles.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Follow these actions to receive your score.

  1. Press Start Assessment.
  2. Read each statement and choose Yes or No.
  3. Use the question list to revisit any response.
  4. After all 15 answers, view your gauge and summary.
  5. Print or export the table for discussion if needed.

FAQ:

Is my data stored?

No. All responses stay in your browser and vanish when you close the page.

What does the score mean?

The higher the number, the greater the likelihood of depressive symptoms within the past week.

Can I share results with my doctor?

Yes. Use the print or export feature to create a copy for clinical consultation.

How often should I retake it?

Monthly retesting helps observe trends; avoid daily use to reduce noise from short-term mood shifts.

Does age limit its use?

The scale was developed for adults 60+, yet remains informative for adjacent age groups when interpreted cautiously.

Glossary:

GDS-15
Fifteen-item geriatric depression scale.
Reverse coding
Scoring technique that inverts positive items.
Severity band
Category reflecting score range.
Self-report
Information provided directly by the respondent.
Gauge chart
Circular graphic displaying a numeric value.