INSTRUCTIONS
Undertake the test orally. Obtain a clear yes or no answer. If necessary, repeat the question. Cross off either yes or no for each question (depressive answers are bold/italicised). Count up 1 for each depressive answer.

Scoring Intervals      0-4     No depression        5-10   Mild depression        11+    Severe depression
1. Are you basically satisfied with your life?    Yes   No

2. Have you dropped many of your activities and interests?   Yes    No

3. Do you feel happy most of the time?    Yes   No

4. Do you prefer to stay at home rather than going out and doing new things?    Yes    No

If none of the above responses suggests depression, STOP HERE. If any of the above responses suggests depression ask questions 5-15.

5. Do you feel that life is empty?   Yes    No

6. Do you often get bored?    Yes    No

7. Are you in good spirits most of the time?    Yes   No

8. Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you?   Yes    No

9. Do you feel helpless?   Yes    No

10. Do you feel that you have more problems with memory than most?   Yes    No

11. Do you think it is wonderful to be alive?    Yes   No

12. Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now?   Yes    No

13. Do you feel full of energy?    Yes   No

14. Do you feel that your situation is hopeless?    Yes    No

15. Do you think that most people are better off than you are?   Yes    No
Refs
1. Evaluation of the feasibility, reliability and diagnostic value of shortened versions of the geriatric depression scale. Van-Marwijk-HW; Wallace-P; de-Bock-GH; Hermans-J; Kaptein-AA; Mulder-JD  Br-J-Gen-Pract. 1995 Apr; 45(393): 195-9
2. Screening for anxiety and depression in elderly medical outpatients. Neal-RM; Baldwin-RC.   Age-Ageing. 1994 Nov; 23(6): 461-4

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