Psychiatric disorder and Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Depression is an important and common nonmotor feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) that is associated with significant disability and a negative impact on quality of life. The physician should remain vigilant for symptoms of depression as they may be mistaken for the progression of Parkinson's disease itself.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of depression in patients with parkinson's disease.we have recruited 53 patients, 35 males and 18 females aged 36-80 years(mean age 60 years), only 15% of patients have a job, two patints was already treated for depression.

Diagnosis of depression was accorded to ICD10 criteria and evaluated by depression hamilton scale.

Depression was diaqnosed in 26 patients (49,1%), it was light in 6 patients (23.1%), middle in 14 patients(53,8%), and heavy in 6 patients(23,1%). 15 patients have dysthymia.

Depression occurring during Parkinson's disease must be treated; SSRI's are preferred, mainly because of its good tolerance.

Next, recognition of the signs and symptoms of depression associated with Parkinson's disease is essential for clinical practitioners.

It is important to identify the features of depression associated with Parkinson's disease in order to render early diagnosis and institute practical and efficacious therapy.