Screening Instruments for Older Adult Depressive Disorders: Updating the Evidence-Based Toolbox

The prevalence of clinically significant depressive disorders in persons 65 years of age or older in the United States has been estimated to be approximately 15%, increasing the risk for functional decline, morbidity, and mortality. Utilization of a well-chosen screening instrument has been shown to improve the rates of recognition of depressive disorders in older adults. This paper presents a targeted review of the most commonly accepted tools for case-finding of depressive disorders in older adults. After a review of the benefits and shortcomings of screening tools, the strengths, weaknesses, and utility of selected depression scales in geriatric clinical settings are discussed.