Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression in PD patients taking into account the different settings and different diagnostic approaches of studies.

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with cognitive and psychiatric disturbances including depression, anxiety, psychotic symptoms and sleep disturbances. Major depression has a greater negative impact on patients’ quality of life than abnormal motor function, and is associated with faster cognitive decline and progression of motor deficits. Prevalence rates of depressive disorders in PD vary widely across studies, ranging from 2.7% to more than 90%.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of 11 papers on depression and Parkinson’s disease. We collected information using a PubMed based search.

Results: In one systemic review study, the weighted prevalence of major depressive disorder was 17% of PD patients, that of minor depression 22% and dysthymia 13%. While in Ethiopia, the prevalence of depression was 57.4%. Of these patients, 1.7% was on antidepressant medications. This was reported as a low index of suspicion and under treatment of depression in PD outpatients. In a similar study in Nigeria, a 55% of depression was reported.

Conclusions: Cognitive impairment and depression accompany PD patients and are related to disability and worsening disease severity. In PD outpatients, depression is under recognized and undertreated. Most studies recommend routine use of screening tools. In those who screen positive for depression, treatment is warranted.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/prevalence-of-depression-in-parkinsons-disease-patients/