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This study aims to validate a Spanish version of the Glasgow Depression Scale for Learning Disability (GDS-LD) and of the Glasgow Depression Care Supplement Scale (GDS-CS).

The GDS-LD was administered to 120 adults with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities and the GDS-CS to the staff from their occupational workshops (n = 120) to detect symptoms of depression. Internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, test-retest reliability, criterion validity, construct validity and the feasibility and applicability of both scales were analysed.

Both scales showed an adequate internal consistency (GDS-LD, a = 0.86) (GDS-CS, a = 0.88). Exploratory factor analysis revealed four well-defined factors in GDS-LD and three in GDS-CS. Pearson correlation analysis data has also been carried out with both tools for test-retest and inter-rater, showing good correlations.

In terms, of limitations, the participants were recruited from the same centre, so this could be a problem in terms of generalisation. In addition, the GDS-LD and GDS-CS scales were developed for people with mild and moderate ID; it would be worth it to develop a version for people with severe and profound disabilities.

From its clinical perspective, it will be possible to have a specific tool that assesses the symptoms of depression in the Spanish population with ID. Furthermore, as it is a user-friendly scale; it can be administrated by both mental health and other professionals working in the field of disability.

The Spanish version of the GDS-LD and GDS-CS showed adequate rates of feasibility and reliability to assess symptoms depression among Spanish speaking adults with mild and moderate ID.