scholarly journals Does the geriatric depression scale have utility for measuring depression severity?

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 873-874
Author(s):  
Hussain Syed ◽  
Gregory Swanwick

The prevalence of major depression ranges from 1% to 16% among elderly living in private households or in institutions, and in similar settings “patients” with clinically relevant depressive symptoms vary between 7.2% and 49% (Djernes, 2006). Community studies looking at point prevalence of depression in older people suggest rates between 10% and 20% depending on cultural situations (Rodda et al., 2011).

1989 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ira R. Katz ◽  
Emerson Lesher ◽  
Morton Kleban ◽  
Vijay Jethanandani ◽  
Patricia Parmelee

The prevalence of depression among nursing home residents was estimated by screening a group of residents selected from a random sample on the basis of cognitive status; it ranged from 18–20% for major depression to 27–44% for other dysphoric states. Though individual patients were observed to change over a 6-month period, depression as assessed with the Geriatric Depression Scale was, in general, persistent. Major depression was clinically confirmed in 8 of 10 patients identified at screening. It was characterized by medical disorders that complicated diagnosis and treatment, and by increased mortality relative to the rest of the population.


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. e026598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Benedetti ◽  
Yin Wu ◽  
Brooke Levis ◽  
Machelle Wilchesky ◽  
Jill Boruff ◽  
...  

IntroductionThe 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30) and the shorter GDS-15, GDS-5 and GDS-4 are recommended as depression screening tools for elderly individuals. Existing meta-analyses on the diagnostic accuracy of the GDS have not been able to conduct subgroup analyses, have included patients already identified as depressed who would not be screened in practice and have not accounted for possible bias due to selective reporting of results from only better-performing cut-offs in primary studies. Individual participant data meta-analysis (IPDMA), which involves a standard systematic review, then a synthesis of individual participant data, rather than summary results, could address these limitations. The objective of our IPDMA is to generate accuracy estimates to detect major depression for all possible cut-offs of each version of the GDS among studies using different reference standards, separately and among participant subgroups based on age, sex, dementia diagnosis and care settings. In addition, we will use a modelling approach to generate individual participant probabilities for major depression based on GDS scores (rather than a dichotomous cut-off) and participant characteristics (eg, sex, age, dementia status, care setting).Methods and analysisIndividual participant data comparing GDS scores to a major depression diagnosis based on a validated structured or semistructured diagnostic interview will be sought via a systematic review. Data sources will include Medline, Medline In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Bivariate random-effects models will be used to estimate diagnostic accuracy parameters for each cut-off of the different versions of the GDS. Prespecified subgroup analyses will be conducted. Risk of bias will be assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool.Ethics and disseminationThe findings of this study will be of interest to stakeholders involved in research, clinical practice and policy.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018104329.


2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (03) ◽  
pp. 442-1446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonali Sarkar ◽  
Shivananand Kattimani ◽  
Gautam Roy ◽  
K. C. Premarajan ◽  
Siddharth Sarkar

ABSTRACT Background: Local language screening instruments can be helpful in early assessment of depression in the elderly in the community and primary care population. This study describes the validation of a Tamil version of Geriatric Depression Scale (short form 15 [GDS-15] item) in a rural population. Materials and Methods: A Tamil version of GDS-15 was developed using standardized procedures. The questionnaire was applied in a sample of elderly (aged 60 years and above) from a village in South India. All the participants were also assessed for depression by a clinical interview by a psychiatrist. Results: A total of 242 participants were enrolled, 64.9% of them being females. The mean score on GDS-15 was 7.4 (±3.4), while the point prevalence of depression was 6.2% by clinical interview. The area under the receiver-operator curve was 0.659. The optimal cut-off for the GDS in this sample was found at 7/8 with sensitivity and specificity being 80% and 47.6%, respectively. Conclusion: The Tamil version of GDS-15 can be a useful screening instrument for assessment of depression in the elderly population.


1991 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 1032-1032 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerome A. Yesavage

The following is a comment on the importance of the 1991 finding by I. L. Abraham of the unchanging nature of depressive symptoms over time: one concludes that such patients will not change unless major interventions, both pharmacologic or psychosocial, can be made.


2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 950-960 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Betts Adams

ABSTRACTBackground: In light of inconsistencies in cut points for identifying non-major depression, this study examined the classification efficiency of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS and GDS-15) total scores and individual items, and four additional depressive symptoms for identification of subthreshold, minor, or criterion depression among 166 vulnerable residents of congregate housing.Methods: Depression (combined categories of major depressive episode, minor, or subthreshold depression) was determined by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) diagnostic interview depression module administered by telephone to 166 older residents of congregate housing facilities who also completed the 30-item GDS and four other yes/no potential indicators of geriatric depression. Classification agreement and ROC curve analysis for the full and 15-item GDS scale scores were calculated. Individual item hit rates for MINI criterion were calculated for GDS items and four new items.Results: GDS and GDS-15 at standard cut points had 70–75% agreement with MINI. Best sensitivity and specificity were obtained at lower than standard cut points. Some GDS Withdrawal, Apathy, lack of Vigor (WAV) and cognitive items obtained very low hit rates. New items “I just don't feel like myself” and “I feel I am a burden to others” better discriminated MINI depression than most GDS items and had good item-to-total correlations with the GDS.Conclusions: Diagnostic criteria and GDS screen had partial agreement. Some GDS items did not adequately represent depression among functionally impaired or oldest old older adults. Feeling one is a burden and the sense of feeling “different” from usual may be useful indicators of depression among vulnerable older adults.


2008 ◽  
Vol 66 (2a) ◽  
pp. 152-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitor Tumas ◽  
Guilherme Gustavo Ricioppo Rodrigues ◽  
Tarsis Leonardo Almeida Farias ◽  
José Alexandre S. Crippa

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the accuracy of diagnosis of major depression in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) using the UPDRS, the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS15) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). METHOD: 50 consecutive patients with PD were evaluated. The diagnosis of major depression was made according to the DSM-IV criteria. RESULTS: We found a 24% prevalence of major depression. All depression scales were highly correlated but UPDRS depression item had the lowest diagnostic value. The GDS15 had the more appropriate "receiver operating characteristics" curve. The best cut-off scores for screening depression were 17/18 for BDI and 8/9 for GDS15. We did not find any correlation between the level of depression and intensity of motor symptoms, functional capacity and duration of the disease. CONCLUSION: GDS15 is better than the BDI and the UPDRS for screening depression in PD and depression is not related to the degree of parkinsonian symptoms.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-170
Author(s):  
Evany Bettine de Almeida ◽  
Thais Bento Lima-Silva ◽  
Luiz Menna-Barreto

ABSTRACT. Institutionalization potentiates the tendency for specific sleep disturbances which occur with aging, besides negative health consequences such as increased rate of depressive symptoms. Objective: To compare sleep profile and depressive symptoms in elderly nursing home residents, highlighting gender differences. Methods: A quantitative descriptive study of 29 elderly from two different nursing homes was conducted. A sociodemographics questionnaire, Sleep Diary, Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale were applied. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test and the Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: The sample comprised individuals that were predominantly female (72%), aged 80-90 years (48%), widowed (66%) and low-educated (83%). The women were found to sleep and awake later than the men. Regarding chronotypes, the women were classified as evening types and men as intermediate/indifferent types. Most of the elderly exhibited symptoms of major depression (48%). Compared to men, women had more depressive symptoms in both dysthymia and major depression categories. Conclusion: No significant differences were evident on comparisons of sleep profile and depressive symptoms, but elderly with the intermediate chronotype scored lower on the depressive symptoms scale.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 170-216
Author(s):  
Edison Vitório de Souza Júnior ◽  
Sterline Therrier ◽  
Cristiane dos Santos Silva ◽  
Bianca de Moura Peloso-Carvalho ◽  
Lais Reis Siqueira ◽  
...  

Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre sexualidad y variables biosociodemográficas y síntomas depresivos en adultos mayores. Método: Se trata de un estudio seccional diseñado con 292 personas mayores. La recolección de datos se realizó entre agosto y octubre de 2020. Se utilizó la Escala de Experiencias Sexuales y Afectivas de Ancianos y la Escala de Depresión Geriátrica. Se utilizaron pruebas de Mann-Whitney, correlación de Spearman y pruebas de Kruskal-Wallis, adoptando un intervalo de confianza del 95% para todos los análisis estadísticos.Resultados: Predominaron los varones (52,1%) y entre 60 y 64 años (46,6%). La prevalencia de síntomas depresivos fue del 30,1% para los casos leves y del 8,6% para los graves. Los ancianos con síntomas depresivos experimentaron peor el acto sexual, las relaciones afectivas y las adversidades físicas y sociales relacionadas con la sexualidad. La única dimensión de la sexualidad que se asoció con las variables biosociodemográficas fue el acto sexual, mostrando que es mejor vivido por los ancianos en unión estable (p = 0.023) y entre quienes conviven con la pareja por un período ≤ 5 años, en comparación con los mayores de 20 años (p = 0,001). Además, solo la dimensión acto sexual se correlacionó negativamente y con magnitud moderada entre los síntomas depresivos graves (ρ = -0,442; p = 0,027), lo que indica que estas dos variables exhiben comportamientos inversamente proporcionales. Conclusión: La sexualidad se asocia con algunas variables biosociodemográficas y se correlaciona con síntomas depresivos severos en ancianos. Objective: To analyze the association of sexuality with the bio-sociodemographic variables and depressive symptomatology in the elderly. Method: This is a sectional study designed with 292 elderly people. Data were collected between August and October 2020. The Elderly Affective and Sexual Experiences Scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale were used. Mann-Whitney, Spearman correlation, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used, adopting a 95% confidence interval for all statistical analyses.Results: The participants were predominantly male (52.1%) and aged between 60 and 64 years (46.6%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 30.1% for mild cases and 8.6% for severe cases. The elderly with depressive symptomatology experienced worse the sexual act, affective relationships, and physical and social adversities related to sexuality. The only dimension of sexuality that was associated with the bio-sociodemographic variables was the "sexual act," proving to be better experienced by the elderly in stable unions (p = 0.023) and among those who live with their partner for a period ≤ 5 years, when compared to those with living together for more than 20 years (p = 0.001). In addition, only the Sexual act dimension correlated negatively and with moderate magnitude with severe depressive symptoms (ρ = -0.442; p = 0.027), indicating that these two variables present inversely proportional behaviors.Conclusion: Sexuality is associated with some bio-sociodemographic variables and correlated with severe depressive symptoms among the elderly. Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre a sexualidade com as variáveis biosociodemográficas e sintomatologia depressiva em idosos. Método: Trata-se de um estudo seccional delineado com 292 idosos. Realizou-se a coleta de dados entre agosto e outubro de 2020. Foi utilizada a Escala de Vivências Afetivas e Sexuais do Idoso e a Escala de Depressão Geriátrica. Utilizou-se os testes de Mann-Whitney, correlação de Spearman e Kruskal-Wallis, adotando intervalo de confiança de 95% para todas as análises estatísticas.Resultados: Predominaram-se os participantes do sexo masculino (52,1%) e com idade entre 60 e 64 anos (46,6%). A prevalência de sintomatologia depressiva foi de 30,1% para os casos leves e 8,6% para os severos. Os idosos com sintomatologias depressivas pior vivenciaram o ato sexual, as relações afetivas e as adversidades física e social relacionadas à sexualidade. A única dimensão da sexualidade que se associou com as variáveis biosociodemográficas foi o ato sexual, demonstrando ser melhor vivenciada pelos idosos em união estável (p=0,023) e entre aqueles que convivem com o parceiro por um período ≤ 5 anos, quando comparados a aqueles com convivência superior a 20 anos (p=0,001). Além disso, somente a dimensão ato sexual se correlacionou de maneira negativa e com moderada magnitude entre os sintomas depressivos severos (ρ= -0,442; p=0,027), indicando que essas duas variáveis apresentam comportamentos inversamente proporcionais.Conclusão: A sexualidade está associada à algumas variáveis biosociodemográficas e correlacionada às sintomatologias depressivas severas entre os idosos.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
José de Paula Barbosa Neto ◽  
Luiz Eduardo Fernandes Lima ◽  
Matheus Carvalho Vasconcelos ◽  
Luis Eduardo Reis Amaral ◽  
Lise Queiroz Lima Verde ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the presence of depressive symptoms in elderly people with glaucoma and other clinical and epidemiological factors that were associated to the presence depression.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Hospital de Olhos Leiria de Andrade, including volunteers aged 60 years or over. Individuals were separated into patients with glaucoma and patients without glaucoma. Volunteers responded a questionnaire, containing data from clinical history and the Geriatric Depression Scale – 15, and were submitted to a complete ophthalmological evaluation.Results: Overall, 42 patients in the glaucoma group and 40 patients in the non-glaucoma group were evaluated. The mean age among cases was 70.2 years, while in the control group it was 65.7 years. The evaluation of the Geriatric Depression Scale – 15 showed an average score of 4.21 and 3.82 in the case and control groups, respectively, with no statistical difference. However, the worsening of visual acuity was related to a greater number of depressive symptoms when comparing individuals with glaucoma. When analyzing the correlation between age, in both groups, and the number of depressive symptoms, there was no statistical significance.Conclusion: The presence of glaucoma was not associated with an increase in the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 score. However, the worsening in visual acuity was correlated to a greater number of depressive symptoms.


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