Validity and reliability of a German version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)

The psychometric properties of the German version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were examined. Fourty-three patients with an age range from 60 to 87 were selected during their slay at a surgery or gerontopsychiatric unit. All patients were assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination, a structured clinical interview (Mini-DIPS) and the CDS. Results suggest that a cutoff score of 13 revealed the best sensitivity (84.0%) and specifity (88.9%). For the 15-item short form a cutoff score of 6 yielded the best sensitivity (84.0%) and specifity (88.9%). Item analyses showed that the German version of the GDS is a questionnaire with average item discrimination (.49). average item difficulty (P = 43). low interitem correlation (r =.19) and a very high internal consistency (Cronbach alpha =.91). These results support the notion that the German version uf die GDS is a reliable and valid screening instrument in discriminating patients with a depressive disorder.