[A screening tool for depression in the elderly in the general population: the usefulness of Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)]

Abstract

In community-based studies the CES-D is the most widely used screening instrument for depression in the elderly. In the Netherlands it is relatively unknown. Results of a literature-survey and empirical data of three groups of older respondents in the Netherlands are presented (n1 = 224, n2 = 116, n3 = 190). To determine whether the CES-D can be used as a screening instrument for depression in the elderly in the Netherlands six criteria are formulated. The results of the literature-survey are favourable on most criteria. Because the overlap with symptoms of physical diseases is very limited, the CES-D can be used in physically ill populations. In our three groups of respondents the psychometric properties and practical use of the CES-D proved satisfactory (Cronbach's alfa 0.80-0.90 in three groups of respondents). Shortening the scale's answering-format has been advocated by others, but is discouraged. Being a screening instrument, the scale cannot be used as a substitute for psychiatric diagnosis. Recognising this limitation we conclude that the Dutch translation of the CES-D provides a useful instrument for measuring depressive symptoms in the elderly.