Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) in Older Women

Given the revision of the Beck Depression Inventory (i.e., BDI-II), the purpose of this research was to examine the Geriatric Depression Scale and the BDI-II in older women to determine if the BDI changes have altered its efficacy with older adults. Results indicate that the BDI-II positively correlated with the GDS (r = .71) and both instruments demonstrated good internal consistency (r = .85 and .84, respectively). Non-response rates were quantitatively comparable, yet qualitatively different, as a number of participants did not respond to the BDI-II “sexual interest” question. The results from this study suggest the revisions made to the BDI have not altered its potential use with older adult populations. Nevertheless, clinicians may prefer to use the GDS when assessing depression in older women, as specific questions found on the GDS may be more relevant to that specific population.