Assessment Result
Results appear here above the form after submission.
| Item | Question | Selected Answer | Depression-Keyed Answer | Point Awarded |
|---|
Calculator Inputs
Choose the questionnaire version, complete every yes or no item, then submit to score and interpret the result.
Example Data Table
These sample rows illustrate how a completed record may look after scoring. They are examples, not real patient records.
| Case | Version | Answered | Score | Interpretation | Follow-Up Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example A | GDS-15 | 15 of 15 | 3 | Normal range | Continue routine observation if clinically appropriate. |
| Example B | GDS-15 | 15 of 15 | 8 | Mild depressive symptom range | Consider fuller mental health review and history. |
| Example C | GDS-30 | 30 of 30 | 14 | Mild depressive range | Arrange follow-up assessment and monitor change over time. |
Formula Used
Each item has one depression-keyed answer. The calculator awards one point whenever the selected answer matches that keyed response.
The response review table also shows which answers earned points item by item, making auditing and follow-up discussions easier.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the short or long GDS version.
- Enter optional identifying details for your record.
- Answer every yes or no item based on the past week.
- Press Calculate Score to show results above the form.
- Review the score, interpretation, chart, and response table.
- Download the summary as CSV or PDF for documentation.
- Use the result for screening support, not as a standalone diagnosis.
Interpretation Notes
This page is designed for educational, screening, and documentation support. It does not replace a clinical interview, diagnostic evaluation, or urgent care assessment.
- Higher scores suggest more depressive symptom burden within the selected version.
- Repeated use over time can help compare change across visits.
- If there is immediate safety concern, confusion, or self-harm risk, seek urgent professional help right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What does this calculator measure?
It screens for depressive symptoms in older adults using yes or no responses. It summarizes a score, an interpretation band, and item-level scoring support for review.
2) Is this a diagnosis?
No. It is a screening aid only. Results should be interpreted with history, examination, cognitive status, medications, social context, and a qualified clinical assessment.
3) Why does the page offer GDS-15 and GDS-30?
Some workflows prefer the shorter version for speed, while others use the longer version for broader screening detail. This file supports both in one interface.
4) Why are some “No” answers scored and others “Yes” answers scored?
The scale uses depression-keyed responses. Some items indicate concern when answered yes, while positively framed items earn points when answered no.
5) Can I save the result for records?
Yes. After calculation, you can export a CSV summary or generate a PDF snapshot of the result area for review, filing, or printing.
6) Should I compare scores over time?
Yes. Repeated screening can help identify worsening, improvement, or stability. Trend review is especially useful when paired with treatment changes and clinical follow-up.
7) What if one item is left blank?
This calculator asks for complete answers before scoring. Full completion avoids misleading totals and keeps exported summaries cleaner and easier to interpret.
8) Can this replace urgent evaluation?
No. Emergency symptoms, acute confusion, or any self-harm concern require immediate professional or emergency support, regardless of the screening score shown here.