Screening Tests for Geriatric Depression

Contends that the diagnosis of depression in aged patients is the responsibility of both psychologists, and non-psychologists, for it is the latter that is most likely to make initial contact with an elder in need of help. Describes problems in the use of psychometric tests to identify geriatric depression. Reviews the advantages and disadvantages and limitations of scales currently employed. Introduces a new Geriatric Depression Scale and demonstrates how it compares favorably with the Zung and Hamilton scales. Suggests appropriate cutoff scores on each of the three scales when they are used with older patients.