Does the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) Distinguish Between Older Adults With High Versus low Levels of Suicidal Ideation?

The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a common screening measure for late-life depression. This cross-sectional study of 105 adults, aged 65+, investigated whether 30-item (GDS) & 15-item (GDS-SF) GDS scales differentiate older adults with high versus low levels of suicidal ideation. 15 of 30 GDS items & 7 of 15 GDS-SF items distinguished groups high or low in self-reported suicidal ideation. It is concluded that long & short forms of the GDS may be used to screen older patients but clinicians are still advised to further assess suicidality with measures designed specifically to detect the presence & severity of suicidal ideation. (31 refs.)