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Learning Objective 1: The GDS is a brief, non-somatically focused and can be either an observer or self-administered.
Learning Objective 2: The nurses could assess this tool easily and found it a good tool to administer.
Method: The Geriatric Depression Scale created by Yesavage et.al (1986) has been tested and used extensively in the older population. The GDS created in 1983 had 30 questions but this was simplified in 1986 to 15 questions with scores above 5 representing depression of ascending severity. Score of 0-4 are considered normal, complaints of 5-8 indicate mild depression, 9-11 moderate depression and 12-15 indicate severe depression. This short form was used on 12 elderly patients aged between 75-83 in a Geriatric ward. These patients were admitted for other diagnoses. Only 3 patients were admitted for depression. Data collection was done for a period of 1month- 3rd February 2009 till 3rd March 2009.
Result: 5 patients had earlier referral to a psychologist. This led the psychologist to assess and find these patients moderately depressed. They received outpatient psychologist appointments. 4 patients were found to be severely depressed and had earlier referral to psychiatrists and Medical Social workers. All 4 of them had to be institutionalized in the Institute of Mental Health in Singapore. All of these patients were also started on anti-depressants. 2 patients were found to be mildly depressed receiving a score of 5-8. Both these patients were not started on anti-depressants but were given outpatient referrals to psychologists.
Conclusion: The GDS is a brief, non-somatically focused and can be either an observer or self-administered. The 12 patients covered by the GDS included loss of interest, lowered mood, hopelessness, lack of energy, poor self image and cognitive problems associated with depression. The nurses could assess this tool easily and found it a good tool to administer.
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