Clinical aspects of depression in Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Introduction

Parkinson's disease is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder in the elderly population. The disease is clinically characterized by major motor symptoms that include bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor and postural instability. In addition to the motor symptoms, Parkinson‘s disease is characterized by emotional and cognitive deficits, which reduce quality of life independently from motor manifestations.

Objectives/Aims

To discuss the clinical manifestations of depression in Parkinson's disease according to the most recent scientific literature.

Methods

Online search/review of the literature has been carried out, using Medline/Pubmed, concerning, “Parkinson's disease” and “depression”.

Results

Depression is the most frequent psychiatric disorder in Parkinson's disease. In up to 30% of the cases, the depressive symptoms precede the development of motor symptoms. Independently of the age of appearance, duration and severity of the motor symptoms, depression is generally an integral part of the disease. Depression in Parkinson's disease is generally mild or moderate, with premature loss of self-esteem and volition. Although the high rates of suicidal ideation, suicide is rare. There is also a high prevalence of panic attacks and anxiety.

Conclusions

It is difficult to correctly identify depression in Parkinson's disease as some symptoms assigned to Parkinson's disease itself can in fact be the clinical manifestation of a depressive disorder. On the other hand, depressive symptoms may not be recognized as such, but considered manifestations of Parkinson's disease.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.