Screening for depression among acutely ill geriatric inpatients with a short Geriatric Depression Scale.

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.