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

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