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Proposed factor structure of the Geriatric Depression Scale
J I Sheikh1, J A Yesavage, J O Brooks
1Veterans Administration Medical Center, Palo Alto, California.
International Psychogeriatrics
|January 1, 1991
Summary
The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) reveals five key factors in elderly depression: mood, energy, positive affect, agitation, and social withdrawal. Understanding this structure improves GDS interpretation for clinicians and researchers.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Psychometrics
Background:
- The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a widely used screening tool for depression in older adults.
- The internal factor structure of the GDS has not been previously established.
- Identifying the GDS factor structure is crucial for accurate interpretation of results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the underlying factor structure of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS).
- To provide empirical evidence for the construct validity of the GDS.
Main Methods:
- Factor analysis was performed on data from 326 community-dwelling elderly individuals who completed the GDS.
- A varimax rotation was applied to the factor solution.
Main Results:
- A five-factor solution was identified, explaining 42.9% of the variance.
- The five factors were characterized as: sad mood, lack of energy, positive mood, agitation, and social withdrawal.
- These factors represent distinct dimensions of depressive symptoms in the elderly.
Conclusions:
- The GDS possesses a discernible five-factor structure.
- This factor structure can enhance the clinical and research utility of the GDS.
- Findings support the use of the GDS in assessing geriatric depression across multiple symptom domains.