Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)

Geriatric Depression Scale, 15-item (GDS-15): fifteen yes/no items (the positive-worded items are reverse-scored); total 0-15 (0-4 normal, 5-8 mild, 9-11 moderate, 12-15 severe depression).

Open the calculator → Runs in your browser. Data leaves only if you deliberately send a problem report from the interactive tool.

Example

GDS-15 item 2
Yes
GDS-15 item 3
Yes

Result: GDS-15 total 7: mild depression (5-8).

The tool opens with these values already filled in. Replace them with your own.

What the result means

0-4
Normal range.
5-8
Mild depression suggested.
9-11
Moderate depression suggested.
12-15
Severe depression suggested.

What you enter

  • GDS-15 item 1 (Yes)
  • GDS-15 item 2 (Yes)
  • GDS-15 item 3 (Yes)
  • GDS-15 item 4 (Yes)
  • GDS-15 item 5 (Yes)
  • GDS-15 item 6 (Yes)
  • GDS-15 item 7 (Yes)
  • GDS-15 item 8 (Yes)
The other 7 fields
  • GDS-15 item 9 (Yes)
  • GDS-15 item 10 (Yes)
  • GDS-15 item 11 (Yes)
  • GDS-15 item 12 (Yes)
  • GDS-15 item 13 (Yes)
  • GDS-15 item 14 (Yes)
  • GDS-15 item 15 (Yes)
How this is calculated

Sheikh JI, Yesavage JA. Clin Gerontol. 1986;5:165-173 (GDS-15 short form, from Yesavage 1982). Bands: normal 0-4, mild 5-8, moderate 9-11, severe 12-15. Read the source ↗

A reference and educational tool. Not medical, legal, or financial advice, and not a substitute for clinician judgment.

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Built by Clay Good. Source on GitHub.