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Can the Geriatric Depression Scale detect poststroke depression in Chinese elderly?
Wai Kwong Tang1, Sandra S M Chan, Helen F K Chiu
1Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR. tangwk@cuhk.edu.hk
Journal of Affective Disorders
|August 13, 2004
Summary
The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) shows high sensitivity but low positive predictive value for screening post-stroke depression (PSD) in Chinese elderly. Further screening tools are recommended to supplement GDS for accurate PSD diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Neurology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common complication in elderly stroke survivors.
- The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a widely used screening tool, but its performance in Chinese elderly post-stroke patients is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) for screening post-stroke depression (PSD) in Chinese elderly patients.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 127 Chinese elderly patients with acute stroke were assessed three months post-stroke.
- The 15-item GDS was administered, and a psychiatrist conducted a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV for depression diagnosis (benchmark).
Main Results:
- The optimal GDS cut-off score was identified as 6/7.
- GDS demonstrated high sensitivity (89%) and negative predictive value (98%), but low positive predictive value (37%).
- The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 90%.
Conclusions:
- The GDS is a sensitive but not highly specific tool for screening PSD in Chinese elderly.
- Limitations include a small sample size and lack of analysis for PSD subtypes.
- A more specific screening instrument should complement the GDS for accurate PSD identification in this population.