Validation of geriatric depression scale in a general outpatient clinic

Authors

  • Emylucy Martins Paiva Paradela Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro; Instituto de Medicina Social; Departamento de Epidemiologia
  • Roberto Alves Lourenço Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro; Faculdade de Ciências Médicas; Departamento de Medicina Interna
  • Renato Peixoto Veras Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro; Universidade Aberta da Terceira Idade

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102005000600008

Keywords:

Depression^i2^sdiagno, Validity, Elderly, Aging, GDS-15^i2^sGeriatric Depression Sc, Sensitivity, Specificity

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The Geriatric Depression Scale for screening depressive symptoms in the elderly has not been assessed in elderly outpatients who seek primary health care in Brazil. The objective was to determine the validity of the Short Scale for Major Depressive Episode or Dysthymia (GDS-15) in elderly outpatients. METHODS: The scale was applied in 302 subjects with 65 years and older and then examined by an independent geriatrician, blinded to the results. Major depression and dysthymia were diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV criteria. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated at several cutoff values and a Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was plotted. RESULTS: The best equilibrium was at the cutoff value of 5/6 showing 81% sensitivity and 71% specificity; the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.79-0.91). CONCLUSIONS: The GDS-15 can be used for screening depressive symptoms in Brazilian elderly outpatients. The previously suggested cutoff value of 5/6 is adequate.

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Published

2005-12-01

Issue

Vol. 39 No. 6 (2005)

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Paradela, E. M. P., Lourenço, R. A., & Veras, R. P. (2005). Validation of geriatric depression scale in a general outpatient clinic . Revista De Saúde Pública, 39(6), 918-923. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102005000600008