Depression in Parkinson’s disease: Health risks, etiology, and treatment options

Pasquale G Frisina^1,2, Joan C Borod^3,4, Nancy S Foldi^3,5, Harriet R Tenenbaum⁶

¹Leir Parkinson’s Disease Program, The Jewish Home and Hospital Lifecare System, New York, NY, USA; ²Department of Geriatrics and Adult Development, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; 3Department of Psychology, Queens College and The Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY), Flushing, NY, USA; ⁴Department of Neurology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; ⁵Department of Medicine, Winthrop-University Hospital, State University of New York, Stony Brook School of Medicine; ⁶Department of Psychology, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, UK

Abstract: Depression is found in about 30%–40% of all patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), but only a small percentage (about 20%) receive treatment. As a consequence, many PD patients suffer with reduced health-related quality of life. To address quality of life in depressed PD patients, we reviewed the literature on the health correlates of depression in PD (eg, cognitive function), etiology of depression in PD, and treatment options (ie, antidepressants, electroconvulsive therapy, and psychotherapy). The current review is unique in its focus on psychosocial aspects, as well as neuropathological factors, of depression in PD. Overall, we conclude that neurochemical (eg, serotonin) and psychosocial factors (eg, coping style, self-esteem, and social support) contribute to the affective disturbances found in this neuropsychiatric population. Therefore, we recommend that a multidisciplinary (eg, pharmacotherapeutic, psychoeducational, and/or psychotherapeutic) approach to treatment be taken with depressed PD patients.

Keywords: depression, Parkinson’s disease, health outcomes, treatment options