Depression in Parkinson Disease: Current Understanding and Treatment

• Main Authors: Pei-Hao Chen, Shih-Jung Cheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taiwan Society of Geriatric Emergency and Critical Medicine (TSGECM) 2008-12-01
• Series: International Journal of Gerontology
• Subjects: antidepressive agents; anxiety; neurogenic urinary bladder; psychotic disorders; sleep disorders
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1873959809700067

Depression has a negative impact on activities of daily living, cognitive performance, and quality of life. Despite the high prevalence of depressive symptoms in Parkinson disease (PD), this important clinical feature is under-recognized by physicians. Effective diagnosis, assessment and treatment of depression are, therefore, important aspects of PD management. In this article, we review the literature concerning depression associated with PD, paying specific attention to clinical presentation, diagnosis, etiology, and the principles of management and treatment. The efficacy and safety of antidepressants must rely on empiric assessments of known risks and putative benefits to guide treatment decisions.