BACKGROUND: Depression is not uncommon among acutely ill geriatric inpatients. METHOD: The performances of shorter versions of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) in screening for depression among acutely ill geriatric inpatients were examined. RESULTS: A cut-off of 2/3 gives the best sensitivity (88%) and specificity (75%) for the 10-item version (GDS10). A cut-off of 0/1 gives the best sensitivity (72%) and specificity (90%) for the 4-item version (GDS4). A positive response to item 6 ("Do you often feel helpless?") on the GDS10 gave a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 75%. Patients found the GDS10 tolerable and acceptable. CONCLUSION: Both shorter versions of the GDS may be utilized in screening for depression among acutely ill geriatric inpatients.
BACKGROUND:Depression is not uncommon among acutely ill geriatric inpatients. METHOD: The performances of shorter versions of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) in screening for depression among acutely ill geriatric inpatients were examined. RESULTS: A cut-off of 2/3 gives the best sensitivity (88%) and specificity (75%) for the 10-item version (GDS10). A cut-off of 0/1 gives the best sensitivity (72%) and specificity (90%) for the 4-item version (GDS4). A positive response to item 6 ("Do you often feel helpless?") on the GDS10 gave a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 75%. Patients found the GDS10 tolerable and acceptable. CONCLUSION: Both shorter versions of the GDS may be utilized in screening for depression among acutely ill geriatric inpatients.