A validation study of The Geriatric Depression Scale short form

The validity of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) short form was assessed in a geriatric affective disorders outpatient clinic (N = 116). The GDS was highly correlated with the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and with optimal cutoff scores of 5/6, demonstrated a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 74.0%. The GDS appears to be a useful, valid screening instrument in this population.