Objective: Our study aims to identify depression and distress among Pakistani patients diagnosed with Parkinsonism syndrome. We also aim to find out the relationship among depression, distress caused Parkinsonism syndrome.

Background: Depression plays an important role among patients diagnosed with Parkinsonism syndrome. It is believed that depression is recognised as major psychological issue in Pakistan.

Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in Sir GangaRam Hospital Lahore during June 2016 to October 2017. Total 80 patients diagnosed with Parkinsonism syndrome were included in the study. Blood levels were collected via venous puncture. A personalized health questionnaire was used to classify depression among patients. A depression scale was used to identify factors such as social distress, interpersonal distress, movement disorder distress, physician related distress, emotional distress and regimen related distress.

Results: The rate of depression was 39% among patients diagnosed with Parkinsonism syndrome. 8% were categorised as mild depression, 14% moderate depression and 17% with severe depression. Parkinsonism syndrome  associated depression was found in 71% of the selected population. Rates of social distress, interpersonal distress, physician related distress, emotional distress, regimen related distress were 23%, 33.5%, 17.8%, 73.4% and 42.6 respectively.

Conclusion: Our study concludes that depression associated with Parkinsonism syndrome is very common among and this is an alarming condition for Pakistani population. We need to develop and modify our management plans in order to combat this deadly distress. Mass media should be involved in order to raise awareness about depression.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/identifying-the-association-of-depression-and-distress-in-pakistani-patients-diagnosed-with-parkinsonism-syndrome/