Recognition and treatment of depression in Parkinson's disease

J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. 2003 Sep;16(3):178-83. doi: 10.1177/0891988703256053.

Abstract

Depression in Parkinson's disease (PD) is common, but little is known about its recognition and treatment. The authors report the antidepressant experience (N = 100) and outcome of depression assessment (n = 77) of a convenience sample of patients at a PD center. Subjects were assessed with a psychiatric and neurological battery, and information was gathered on depression treatment. One third (34%) of subjects met criteria for a depressive disorder, and two thirds (65%) of them were not currently receiving antidepressant treatment. Approximately one quarter (23%) of subjects were taking an antidepressant, but almost half (47%) of them still met criteria for a depressive disorder. Few antidepressant users with persistent depression had received either antidepressant treatment at dosages within the highest recommended range (11%) or more than 1 antidepressant trial (33%). Most depressed patients are untreated, and half of antidepressant users remain depressed, suggesting that even when delivered, treatment is often inadequate or ineffective.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Depressive Disorder / etiology*
  • Drug Therapy / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parkinson Disease / psychology*
  • Prevalence
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents