In 1982, Brink et al. created the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) as a tool specifically used to screen depression in the elderly. Because the elderly have many physical complaints, the physical symptoms of many normal elderly people fall into the normal range at this age, but may be wrongly diagnosed as depression. The purpose of designing GDS is to more sensitively detect somatic symptoms unique to elderly patients with depression. In addition, compared with other hierarchical scales, GDS adopts a simple ‘yes’ or ’no’ answer form, which is easier to master. There are 30 entries in GDS, representing the core symptoms of depression in elderly people. These symptoms include depression, reduced activity, irritability, withdrawal and painful thoughts, as well as negative comments about the past, present and future. Each entry is a sentence asking the subject to answer ‘yes’ or ’no’. When using GDS, examiners can choose to ask questions or answer questions in writing. Subjects should choose the answer that best matches their feelings in the last week. If written form is used, each question will be printed with the options of ‘yes’ and ’no’ and the subjects need to circle the most appropriate answers. If it is a verbal question, you may need to repeat certain questions to ensure an exact “yes” or “no” answer is obtained. It should be noted that when the degree of dementia is severe, the validity of GDS will decrease. Elderly depression refers to a common psychological illness that occurs in the elderly population, also known as depression or late-onset depression in the elderly. It is closely related to age-related physiological and psychological changes, as well as the social, economic and family problems faced by older people. The symptoms and severity of depression in older adults vary from individual to individual, but it can negatively affect the psychological and physical health of the elderly and even increase the risk of suicide. Here are some common characteristics and symptoms of depression in older adults: 1. Depression: The main symptoms of depression in older adults are persistent, depressed emotions, feeling loss of interest and fun, and depression. Older people may show mood swings, irritability, or anxiety. 2. Social withdrawal: Elderly depressed patients tend to actively interact less with social activities, family and friends. They may feel lonely, helpless and disconnected from the world around them. 3. Sleep problems: The elderly may experience difficulties falling asleep, wake up early or have a decreased sleep quality. They may be often tired and lack energy. 4. Change in appetite: Elderly depressed patients may experience loss of appetite or increase in appetite, resulting in weight fluctuations. They may lose interest in food they like on weekdays. 5. Physical symptoms: The elderly may experience unexplained physical symptoms such as headache, back pain, indigestion and chronic pain. 6. Attention and memory problems: Depression in the elderly may lead to decreased attention and memory, affecting cognitive function. Older people may be more likely to be distracted and have difficulty concentrating. The causes of depression in the elderly are complex, involving the combined effects of biological, psychosocial and environmental factors. Here are some common risk factors: 1. Physiological factors: Changes in the physical health status of the elderly, such as chronic diseases, neurological degradation, hormone changes, etc., may increase the risk of depression. 2. Psychosocial factors: Elderly people may face major life changes such as loss of relatives, friends and spouse, retirement, loss of social roles and identity. These factors may cause elderly people to feel helpless, lonely and depressed, increasing the risk of depression. 3. Psychological factors: An individual’s psychological characteristics and coping methods may also affect the occurrence of depression in the elderly. For example, individual personality traits, low self-evaluation, negative thinking patterns, insufficient coping ability, etc. may make the elderly more likely to fall into a depressed state. 4. Environmental factors: Elderly people may face environmental factors such as financial difficulties, social isolation, lack of support networks and inadequate adaptability, which may increase the risk of depression. For the treatment and management of depression in elderly people, here are some common methods: 1. Psychological therapy: Psychological therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and aided psychotherapy can help older people understand and change negative thinking patterns and improve their ability to cope with stress and emotions. 2. Medication treatment: Antidepressants can be used under the guidance of a doctor to relieve depression symptoms. The doctor will prescribe appropriate medications according to the patient’s specific circumstances. 3. Social Support: Providing emotional support and social interaction is crucial for the recovery of older people. Family, friends, or professional social workers can provide support and help. 4. Physical activity: Moderate physical activity and exercise can improve mental health and relieve depression symptoms. The elderly can choose exercise methods that suit their physical condition, such as walking, Tai Chi, etc. 5. Maintain a positive lifestyle: Balanced diet, regular routines, maintaining social activities and hobbies, etc. can all help improve mental health. If you or the elderly around you experience depression symptoms, please seek professional medical help in time. Only after professional evaluation and treatment can a depression management plan suitable for individuals be formulated. It is worth mentioning that although GDS is a depression screening tool specifically for the elderly, it is also suitable for people of other age groups. Now you can do a free GDS test and click the button below to start the test.

The Elderly Depression Scale (GDS) Online Review
Related suggestion
-
Depression Self-assessment Test: Understanding Your Mental Health Status
-
Emotional intelligence test: Free online assessment of international standard emotional intelligence (EQ)
-
Burns Depression List (BDC)
-
MBTI occupational personality test: Official 93 question standard version
-
Eisenke EPQ Personality Test Scale Online Test | 85 Questions onboarding Personality Test Version
-
Holland Career Interest Test: 90 complete version of self-test, find the career direction that suits you best
-
Narcissistic tendency and potential NPD Narcissistic personality disorder risk assessment: NPI-56 Narcissistic personality scale free online test
-
Bipolar Disorder - Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) Online Test | Free
-
Baker Depression Scale (BDI-SF) Free Online Test
-
Barratt Impulsive Scale (BIS-11) Online Test | Free
-
Adaptive Narcissism Scale ANS Online Test | Free
-
Hamilton Depression Scale HAMD Free Online Test
-
Shyness Scale: Test how high your shyness is!
-
Mental Health Survey Scale for Children and Adolescents (MHS-CA) Online Test
-
Establish psychological resilience: living with your own fragility
-
What is paranoid personality disorder? A complete analysis of symptoms, tests and improvement methods
-
Analysis of schizoidal personality symptoms: Do you have this personality tendency?
-
ASPD analysis of antisocial personality disorder: Symptoms, causes and response guidelines
-
What should we know about college students’ depression?
-
7 Practical Tips for Coping with Social Anxiety | Overcoming Social Phobia Starts Here
-
'MBTI Test' INFJ personality and 'spiritual burden': a destined sense of responsibility
-
Introduction to Psychological Scale: Jackson Personality Scale (JPI-R)—a psychological tool to explore individual differences
-
Pick up with a let go of your mind, let go of your mind
-
NPI Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)
-
Screening tool for infant autism: Detailed explanation of the M-CHAT-R/F scale (with free online evaluation address and free download of PDF scale)
-
Detailed explanation of the Rokeach Values Survey (RVS) test: 36 values help you find your life direction and see your inner pursuits (with detailed interpretation methods)
-
Strong Career Interest Scale: An Important Tool for Career Planning
-
A comprehensive understanding of self-efficacy: Influence, Function and GSES Online Test Guide
💙
💚
💛
❤️
If the website is helpful to you and friends who have the conditions are willing to give a reward, you can click the reward button below to sponsor this site. The appreciation amount will be used for fixed expenses such as servers, domain names, etc., and we will regularly update your appreciation to the appreciation record. You can also help us survive through VIP sponsorship support , so that we can continue to create more high-quality content! Welcome to share and recommend the website to your friends. Thank you for your contribution to this website. Thank you everyone!
Comprehensive classification
Testing today
MBTI Type 16 Personality Test 200 Questions (Free Full Version)|MBTI Official Website Free Entrance|16 Personalities Personality Type Full Solution
MBTI personality test fast trial version⚡️Free online test | 12 questions
MBTI occupational personality test: Official 93 question standard version
Free MBTI Test 72 Classic Version
MBTI Professional Personality Assessment 145 Questions Professional Edition Free Online Test
Holland Career Interest Test: 90 complete version of self-test, find the career direction that suits you best
PDP career personality test
Heart Signal·ABM Love Animal Personality Free Online Test
MBTI Type 16 Personality Free Online Test | 28 Questions Simple Version
Heart Signal · Food Psychological Test – Test your love style!
Just test it
Psychological test: Are you emotionally healthy?
Can you tell the difference between 'like' and 'love'?
Test what color you have in your charm?
The secret of love testing in small desserts
Will your 'blue confidante' become a boyfriend?
Brain fatigue health self-test
Psychological test: What kind of 'life strategy player' are you? Test your workplace and life decision-making style!
Test your weaknesses in your relationship?
MBTI: Quick identification test for S-type and N-type personality
Test what negative emotions you are most likely to be affected by?
Popular psychological tests
4 pictures to test how deep your scheming is
Psychological age test: What age is your inner age?
The Violent Love Psychological Test in Korea | 5 minutes to measure the ideal boyfriend and mine type hidden in your heart
Test which emperor you are
Test which character you are in 'Harry Potter'?
Are you a 'strong person' or a 'indifferent person'? Come and test your personality type!
Sexual tension test: Test your type of attraction
20 questions to test your best career direction
Test which character you most like in 'Nezha 2'?
Heart Signal · Food Psychological Test – Test your love style!
Latest psychological tests
社会通透力测试:你有多懂人情世故?
Independent Personality Index Test: How sober are you? Can you not be influenced by the world?
Eight-dimensional self-healing force test: Test 8 abilities to restart yourself from emotional troughs
Test which anime character you are in 'My Hero Academy'?
Psychological test: What kind of 'life strategy player' are you? Test your workplace and life decision-making style!
Test how high your realism index is?
How strong is your emotional control? Test your emotional stability index!
Love test: Test what kind of partner you are suitable for?
Interpersonal boundary test: Test whether you are prone to being 'used' by others?
One-minute psychological test: What kind of time do you belong to to use personality? Procrastination, chaos or efficient expert?
The most accurate psychological test
Psychological test: Is your personality rebellious?
Self-test of shame: Are you troubled by shame?
Are you born with wealth?
Which set of numbers you like the most (love test)
Check out your psychological weaknesses by chatting video
Psychological test: Are you a gentle and kind person?
Will men want to cherish you?
Student Exam Anxiety Psychological Test (TAS)
Magical Perspective: Dressing and revealing your inner temperament
Free online test of self-measurement table for sleep quality
Reading today
Free MBTI Test Portal: Explore your true personality type and start with understanding yourself!
Free MBTI test: ENTJ personality × 12 zodiac personality full analysis
MBTI 16 personality types are real reactions when they are angry: with the latest MBTI free test portal
Do you know yourself? We use the Eisenk Personality Questionnaire to help you find the answer (with a free EPQ online test portal)
What does MBTI mean? Get to know yourself starts with the Myers-Briggs personality test! Attached with the latest official free test portal
Comprehensive understanding of Holland's career interest test, with multiple versions of free test portal
The MBTI type of athletes participating in the Paris Olympics - PsycTest QuizMBTI personality database
True interpretation of MBTI personality type: ENTP—Sighted
Join the MBTI communication group and find your personality circle! (Attached the latest MBTI free test official entrance)
Mental Health Test: Learn how your mental state starts with a free psychological assessment
Just take a look
The unique charm of INFP Gemini in the workplace
Jung Eight Dimension + MBTI| Shadow Function Personality Analysis of Sixteen Personality Types
MBTI personality decoding: Judge J and Perception P
MBTI personality test: I'm the darkest moment
Symptoms, hazards and ways to improve narcissistic personality disorder!
Detailed explanation of the difference between S and N people in MBTI: perception mode, thinking mode and behavioral characteristics
How does ESFP win respect from others? MBTI Character Growth Guide [Practical Chapter]
Analysis of MBTI personality characteristics of 12 constellations - INFP personality (with MBTI official test entrance)
MBTI and Zodiac Signs: ISFP Capricorn Personality Analysis (with free MBTI 16 personality test entrance)
MBTI NF personality: How to make a lot of money with creativity and a sense of mission? (Exclusive to INFP / ENFP / INFJ / ENFJ)
Popular articles
PsycTest Quiz User Registration Agreement Terms
How does MBTI personality ENFP identify and prevent manipulation behaviors in relationships?
MBTI Type Sixteen Personality Analysis—INFP
MBTI and Zodiac Signs: INTP Aquarius Personality Analysis (with the latest MBTI Personality Test Free Entrance)
Human Design: Human Diagram Testing and Analysis Interpretation
'MBTI Personality Encyclopedia' INTP Logician Personality: Analysis of Thinking Patterns + Guide to Career Paths + Full Analysis of Character Pros and Disadvantages
Holland Career Types and Discipline Comparison Table of RIASEC Theoretical Model and Test Results Code
Basal metabolic rate (BMR) online calculator
What is it like to fall in love with MBTI INFP personality? ——A gentle dreamer, hiding the invisible world
Join the MBTI communication group and find your personality circle! (Attached the latest MBTI free test official entrance)
Latest articles
Decode personality: Fun name personality test
MBTI personality type single-handed guide - breaking through from friend area
A flattering personality: Do you also live in the expectations of others?
Four fears of pleasing personality: How to get rid of the 'good person disease'?
MBTI personality type fun nickname collection: What kind of interesting characters do you belong to?
A comprehensive understanding of self-efficacy: Influence, Function and GSES Online Test Guide
Career planning must-have: The most comprehensive guide to career personality assessment tools
Detailed explanation of the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT): Test type, mock questions and result analysis
GATB professional ability tendency requirements comparison table
Strong Career Interest Scale: An Important Tool for Career Planning