Self-report depression scales for elderly patients in primary care: a preliminary study

In a primary care setting, the prevalence of depression in elderly patients was studied, and the reliability and validity of the geriatric depression scale (GDS) were assessed. In 141 consecutive elderly attenders (64-90) of four general practices, we estimated the point prevalence of depression with two self-rating depression scales. The results of the two scales were compared. Fourteen patients (12%) scored above cut-off on the Zung self-rating depression scale and 14 (12%) on the GDS. In 10 patients both scales indicated depression. The psychometric quality of both scales was adequate. The results of the investigation established prevalences found in other countries. The GDS may be a useful case-finding instrument aiding the general practitioner in the identification of depression in elderly patients.