Psychometric Evaluation of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): Supporting Its Use in Health Care Settings

Depression in the older adult is frequently under-diagnosed and under-treated in the health care setting resulting in increased mortality in the elderly. When the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is administered in combination with other diagnostic evaluations, however, it provides a reliable, valid...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical gerontologist 2001, Vol.23 (3-4), p.57-68
Main Authors: Peach, Jane, Koob, Jeffrey J., Kraus, Mary J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
assessment
Biological and medical sciences
Depression
Depression (Psychology)
Diagnosis
Elderly
Elderly people
Evaluation
Geriatric Depression Scale
Health Professions
Intervention
Measures (Instruments)
Medical sciences
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychometric aspects
Psychometrics. Diagnostic aid systems
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Techniques and methods
underdiagnosis
Citations: Items that this one cites
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Summary:Depression in the older adult is frequently under-diagnosed and under-treated in the health care setting resulting in increased mortality in the elderly. When the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is administered in combination with other diagnostic evaluations, however, it provides a reliable, valid, and cost-effective depression screening for the elderly. This paper provides psychometric evidence of the efficacy of the GDS, outlines the magnitude of the problems faced among healthcare professionals in assessing depression in the elderly, and encourages the incorporation of the GDS in standard assessment procedures of the older adult.
ISSN:0731-7115
1545-2301
DOI:10.1300/J018v23n03_06