Prevalence, impact, and management of depression and anxiety in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Abstract:

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) exhibit higher rates of depression and anxiety than the general and other medically disabled populations. Evidence suggests that mood and anxiety symptoms are related to disease pathology. Rates of depression and anxiety in PD vary depending on how these symptoms are measured, but they are estimated to occur in up to 40% of patients. These conditions have adverse effects on patient and caregivers’ quality of life, level of disability, and mortality, with several studies suggesting greater contribution than motor symptom severity. Pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions, particularly in combination, have demonstrated efficacy in treating depression and anxiety in PD. However, additional randomized controlled trials are needed to better delineate when and how to best treat these disabling symptoms.

Keywords::

• Parkinson’s disease
• depression
• anxiety
• prevalence
• treatment

Disclosure

JBR, THT, and VKH receive salary support from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for an investigator-initiated research study. THT receives salary support from the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program / Department of Defense (CDMRP/DOD) for an investigator-initiated randomized controlled trial and salary support from Aker Biomarine for an investigator-initiated randomized controlled trial. VKH has received research grant support from the National Institute of Health, Accorda Pharmaceuticals, Abbvie, Biotie Therapies, and the Barmore fund.