Recognition and Treatment of Depression in Parkinson's Disease

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.