Geriatric Depressed Test


Geriatric Depression Rating Scale – This short 15-question depressed test is used to measure depressive symptoms in geriatric (older) people. In order to get an accurate score, please answer each question based on how you felt and behaved in the last week. (Please see our Disclaimer).


  1. 1.) Are you basically satisfied with your life?

    2. Yes

    No


  2. 2.) Have you dropped many of your activities and interests?

    3. Yes

    No


  3. 3.) Do you feel that your life is empty?

    4. Yes

    No


  4. 4.) Do you often get bored?

    5. Yes

    No


  5. 5.) Are you in good spirits most of the time?

    6. Yes

    No


  6. 6.) Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you?

    7. Yes

    No


  7. 7.) Do you feel happy most of the time?

    8. Yes

    No


  8. 8.) Do you often feel helpless?

    9. Yes

    No


  9. 9.) Do you prefer to stay at home, rather than going out and doing new things?

    10. Yes

    No


  10. 10.) Do you feel you have more problems with memory than most?

    11. Yes

    No


  11. 11.) Do you think it is wonderful to be alive now?

    12. Yes

    No


  12. 12.) Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now?

    13. Yes

    No


  13. 13.) Do you feel full of energy?

    14. Yes

    No


  14. 14.) Do you feel that your situation is hopeless?

    15. Yes

    No


  15. 15.) Do you think that most people are better off than you are?

    16. Yes

    No




Screening test scoring ranges:

0 to 4 = Normal Range
5 to 8 = Mild Depression
9 to 11 = Moderate Depression
12 to 15 = Severe Depression

Explanation of Depressed Test Scores:

0 to 4 (Normal Range):
This range suggests you do not appear to be experiencing any depressive symptoms at this time. If this changes, you may need to seek further diagnosis and treatment.

5 to 8 (Mild Depression):
You appear to be experiencing some very mild depressive symptoms, most of which are commonly found amongst the general population. It is unclear whether or not you suffer these problems severely enough to need to seek further diagnosis and treatment.

9 to 11 (Moderate Depression):
You appear to be experiencing some moderate depressive symptoms, many of which are commonly found amongst the general population, but border on the possibility of a depressive episode. It is unclear whether or not you suffer these problems severely enough to need to seek further diagnosis and treatment.

12 to 15 (Severe Depression):
You appear to be suffering from severe depressive symptoms commonly associated with serious depressive disorders. You would likely benefit from the immediate attention of your physician or a trained mental health professional for further evaluation and a more accurate diagnosis and treatment.


Click here to take another depression test.