The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is commonly used to measure depression in the elderly. However, there have been no reports of the underlyingstructureoftheGDS. Tothisend,theGDS was administered to 326 community-dwelling elderly subjects, and the data were subjected to a factor analysis. A five-factor solution was selected and, after a varimax rotation, the factors that emerged could be described as: (1) sad mood, (2) lack of energy, (3) positive mood, (4) agitation, and (5) social withdrawal. This solution accounted for 42.9% of the variance. Knowledge of the factor smcture should aid both clinicians and researchers in the interpretation of responses on the GDS.The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was developed to avoid the problems that arise when scales developed for use with young subjects are applied to elderly subjects (Yesavage et al., 1983). One such problem relates to somatic complaints. For example, in young patients the number of somatic complaints can be a valuable indicator of depression (Bolla-Wilson & Bleecker, 1989;Zemore & Eames, 1979); in elderly patients, however, somatic complaints do not provide a useful index of depression because, in general, elderly patients tend to report somatic problems (Yesavageet al., 1983). The GDS avoids this problem by excluding from the scale questions that relate to somatic complaints.The validity of the GDS has been demonstrated in several empirical studies. Brink et al. (1982) found that the GDS had an 84% sensitivity rate and a 95% specificity 23

This study examined early positive response to psychotherapy in a sample of 147 college student clients seeking therapy at a university counseling center. Early response was determined based on a score representing the difference between client-obtained symptom distress session scores and expected scores derived from a large actuarial study of typical treatment response. In the present study, early positive response to therapy was associated with fewer psychological symptoms at therapy termination and follow-up and maintenance of therapy gains. These results are discussed in relation to placebo effects and common factors and their primary importance in producing meaningful change. Future research directions are recommended that include the use of early response for exploring the contribution of client variables and theoretically derived interventions as they relate to the outcome of psychotherapy.

Suicidal ideation in the elderly has been related to depression, changes in health, and anticipation of a limited future. The present study examined the Hopelessness Scale (HS) and its relation to these factors in a depressed geriatric population. A total of 120 elderly outpatients, who had applied to receive psychotherapy for depression, completed the HS, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), health ratings, and the Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia (SADS) at intake. The HS was found to be internally consistent, and a principal components analysis revealed three distinct factors that were related to hope, feelings of giving up, and future planning. The HS, BDI, and health ratings were predictive of suicidal ideation as measured by specific items in the SADS. The relation among suicidal ideation hopelessness, depression, and health perceptions for the depressed aged are discussed.

The effect of long-term aerobic training on psychological function was examined in 87 sedentary older adults who engaged in a year-long endurance exercise training program compared with a nonexercising control group. In addition to improved cardiovascular fitness, a positive change in self-reported morale was found for the exercise condition. Of the cognitive functions measured, a significant effect was noted for the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) Logical Memory subtest; however, this effect was caused by a decline in performance from pre- to posttesting in the control group. Long-term exercise training had little, if any, effect on improving cognitive function in this older adult sample.

The authors have successfully applied five ADL items selected and culturally adapted from Older Americans Resources and Services to the study of older Chinese. A consistent and reliable estimate of functional dependence among older persons is obtained. The prevalence of dementia and many self-reported illness, as well as the ADL status by medical condition, are reported. The findings reveal certain patterns of relationship between illness conditions and ADL performance.