Objective: The objectives of this cross sectinal studies was to a) estimate the prevalence of depression and b) identify the associations for depression in a local cohort of patients in Sri Lanka.

Background: Prevalence of depression among patients with Parkinson’s disease is high. The numbers and associations for depression vary between different studies probably reflecting the influence of socio-economic background of patients in different settings. It is important to identify locally prevalent risk factors for depression for better service delivery.

Methods: All patients with a diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease followed up at the movement disorder clinic at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka were enrolled in a cross sectional study. The patients were interviewed with an interviewer administered questionnaire that collected data on a) demography, b) clinical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and c) socioeconomic background. Symptoms of depression were assessed with Hamilton rating scale for depression.

Results: Seventy five patients [males; 54 (75%), mean age; 63.6 years, SD ± 6.8] were enrolled. Forty six (61.3%) patients had been either formally diagnosed with depression (some successfully treated) or showed evidence of depression (undiagnosed) at the time of evaluation. Bradykinesia, monthly income below Rs. 10,000 and being employed were significantly associated with a diagnosis of depression (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Hamilton rating scale for depression is a good tool for screening patients with parkinsonism for depression. Patients should be screened regularly and in Sri Lanka, above risk factors would be red flags for selective screening.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/bradykinesia-low-monthly-income-and-current-employment-are-associated-with-depression-in-patients-with-parkinsons-disease-results-of-a-study-from-sri-lanka/