[Geriatric Depression Scale as auxiliary diagnostic tool used in patients 55 years and older]

The purpose of this study was to examine the Geriatric Depression Scale translated into Polish for its sensitivity and specificity in relation to obligatory criterions ICD-10. 208 at random select patients from Psychiatry Department and Psychiatry Clinic were included into study. Diagnosis was based on ICD 10 criteria. Geriatric Depression Scale were used in full version containing 30 of questions directed to examined (self-rating). Each questions was read to examined persons. At last 185 persons were included to statistical analysis's. Sensitivity and specificity obtained for critical value equal or higher from 11 points, were 81% and 47% Geriatric Depression Scale is useful tool in initial diagnosis of depression in older people. However one should be clearly to underline, that investigation with Geriatric Depression Scale should start diagnostic process, never while to take place full psychiatric investigations.