University of Oxford Department of Clinical Geratology. The Geriatric Depression Scale The Geriatric Depression Scale. Suitable as a screening test for depressive symptoms in the elderly of shortened versions of the geriatric depression scale. Van-Marwijk-HW; Wallace Issue Number 4, May 1999 Series Editor: Meredith Wallace, PhD, RN, MSN, C. S. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) By: Lenore Kurlowicz, PhD, RN, CS there are many instruments available to measure depression, the Geriatric Depression Scale. (GDS), ?rst created by The Geriatric Depression Scale. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was designed to help Issue Number 4, May 1999 Series Editor: Meredith Wallace, PhD, RN, MSN, C. S. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) By: Lenore Kurlowicz, PhD, RN, CS there are many instruments available to measure depression, the Geriatric Depression Scale. (GDS), ?rst created by The Geriatric Depression Scale. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was designed to help Geriatric Depression Scale. About the Scale. This simple test is designed to give you an idea whether or not you might have clinical depression.