In a nutshell
This study investigated the use of medication to treat depression in patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD). They concluded that treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improved depression in these patients.
Some background
The main symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are motor symptoms. However, PD can lead to a number of other issues, including depression. Depression affects between 50% and 70% of patients with PD.
Treating depression is important as it negatively affects a patient’s quality of life. There are many ways to treat depression, including medication and behavioral therapy. The most effective way to treat depression associated with PD is still unclear.
Methods & findings
This study reviewed 20 other studies using various approaches to treat depression in patients with PD. These included pharmacological (drug) treatment and behavioral therapies. 893 PD patients with clinical depression were included in these studies.
Treatment with anti-depressant medication improved symptoms in all the reports analyzed. In particular, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were most effective treatment for depression in patients with PD. In general, there were no significant side effects reported in these reports.
Cognitive behavioral therapy also significantly improved symptoms on depression.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improved depression in patients with PD.
The fine print
The number of patients in the individual clinical reports was relatively small. Not all information was available for analysis. A clinical trial with a larger number of patients is needed to confirm the findings in this study.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns regarding depression and PD, please discuss this with your physician.
Published By :
Parkinsonism & related disorders
Date :
Aug 01, 2015
