GDS-15 · Standard screening questionnaire
Mood in Older Adults
Fifteen yes-or-no questions about mood and everyday feelings in older adults over the past week.
Choose the best answer for how you have felt over the past week:
Adult self-report · 15 items
Screening results can support a clinical conversation but cannot confirm or rule out a diagnosis on their own.
View score ranges and interpretation ↓
Are you basically satisfied with your life?
Yes / No
Have you dropped many of your activities and interests?
Yes / No
Do you feel that your life is empty?
Yes / No
Do you often get bored?
Yes / No
Are you in good spirits most of the time?
Yes / No
Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you?
Yes / No
Do you feel happy most of the time?
Yes / No
Do you often feel helpless?
Yes / No
Do you prefer to stay at home, rather than going out and doing new things?
Yes / No
Do you feel you have more problems with memory than most?
Yes / No
Do you think it is wonderful to be alive now?
Yes / No
Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now?
Yes / No
Do you feel full of energy?
Yes / No
Do you feel that your situation is hopeless?
Yes / No
Do you think that most people are better off than you are?
Yes / No
How to interpret GDS-15 scores
The total ranges from 0 to 15 and reflects mood over the past week in older adults. This result uses the original English version, with follow-up recommended from 6 points.
| Score / range | What it means | Suggested next step |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5 points | Below the follow-up threshold The score is below this version’s follow-up threshold, but does not rule out depression. | Monitor mood and discuss ongoing concerns with a clinician. |
| 6–10 points | Further assessment recommended The score reaches the follow-up threshold for the version used. | Arrange an interview to discuss mood, physical health and support needs. |
| 11–15 points | Medical assessment recommended soon More depressive symptoms are reported and need further evaluation. | Speak with a clinician soon to discuss suitable care and treatment. |
These are follow-up recommendations, not diagnostic severity grades. Language versions have different thresholds; changing the display language keeps the interpretation used when answering began.
Interpretation sources：Taiwan MOHW: Chinese GDS-15 and interpretation ↗ · GDS developer: English short-form scoring ↗