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Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)

Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) Test

Understand mood and depression risk in older adults in about 3 minutes. Fifteen simple yes or no items make it easy to use in clinics or at home to guide next steps.

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Questions: 153 minutes

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08:30

October 2, 2025

October 2, 2025
Material has been updated

October 2, 2025
Material has been published

11621 view

1561 completion

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How the Scales are Structured

example score

12/15

Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)

Screens depressive symptom burden in older adults based on 15 yes/no items.

No depression indicated

Probable depression

0 – 4: No depression indicated | 5 – 15: Probable depression

A score of 12 falls in the probable depression range, indicating a high level of reported depressive symptoms on this screening scale.

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DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

Older adults self-checking mood

46%OF USERS

Seniors who have felt persistently down, less interested, or more withdrawn use it to quickly gauge whether depressive symptoms may be present.

Family caregivers and relatives

33%OF USERS

Adult children, spouses, or caregivers use it to better understand an older loved one’s mood changes and whether additional support might be needed.

Clinicians screening older patients

21%OF USERS

Primary care, geriatric, and mental health professionals use it as a brief screening tool to decide if further assessment or referral is warranted.

BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.

RESULTS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE

What You’ll See After You Finish the Test

Scale Results
— Explained Clearly

Your scores across each test scale, translated into plain, usable insights. Not just numbers, but what they actually mean for your daily life, emotional state, and overall well-being.

AI-Powered
Interpretation

A structured, clinically grounded explanation. Our AI analyzes patterns and relationships between scales to provide a coherent interpretation — without alarmist language.

Statistical
Comparison

See how you compare to others. Your scores are placed in a statistical context, showing percentiles and trends based on anonymized platform data to help you understand what`s typical.

Practical
Recommendations

Actionable guidance tailored to your profile. Receive clear, realistic suggestions you can apply immediately — focused on coping, self-regulation, and realistic next steps.

AI-Detected
Insights

Key patterns you might not notice on your own. Surfacing subtle connections in your responses that help you better understand what may be driving your current results.

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an AI Psychologist

Clarify, reflect, and explore right away. Talk through your outcomes, ask questions, and explore meanings in a calm, non-diagnostic dialogue environment.

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Used in 52+ countries

Benchmarking

See How You Compare

Once you finish the test, your results will be compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of the benchmarks we use to place your score in context.

Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)

Average

8.2

Normal range

5.4 — 11.1

min.

max.

majority

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear here so you can see where you land.

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CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Any questions left?

What does this questionnaire measure?

It screens for depressive symptoms in older adults. Results indicate whether further clinical evaluation may be needed.

How long does it take to complete and what format is used?

It usually takes about 3 minutes. It contains 15 yes-or-no items.

Who is this questionnaire intended for?

It is intended for older adults. It may be used in clinical settings or at home as a screening tool.

How should items be answered?

Answer each item with the response that best fits recent feelings and daily functioning. Do not overthink items or leave items unanswered.

How should results be interpreted?

Scores reflect the likelihood of clinically significant depressive symptoms. A higher score supports referral for diagnostic assessment and appropriate support.

WHAT THE TEST MEASURES

About This Assessment

Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) Test

depression geriatrics

Older adults may have difficulty describing mood symptoms directly, and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) is commonly used as a brief screening measure for depressive symptomatology in later life. Developed by Yesavage, J., it uses a simple response format to support efficient administration in clinical and community settings.

The measure consists of 15 items and typically takes about 3 minutes to complete. It is intended to help identify individuals who may benefit from further assessment; results should be interpreted in context and are not, by themselves, diagnostic.

The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) may be administered in outpatient, inpatient, or home-based contexts and can support referral decisions when depressive symptoms are suspected. When used with diverse populations, clinicians should consider the appropriateness of the available language version and normative references for the intended setting.

Author: Yesavage, J.

Literature: Yesavage, J. A., Brink, T. L., Rose, T. L., Lum, O., Huang, V., Adey, M., & Leirer, V. O. Development and validation of a geriatric depression screening scale: A preliminary report. Journal of Psychiatric Research. 1982.; Sheikh, J. I., & Yesavage, J. A. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): Recent evidence and development of a shorter version. Clinical Gerontologist. 1986.

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