Prevalence of and Severity of Depression among Parkinson Disease Patients

Background: The objectives of the study were to determine prevalence and severity of depression among patients with Parkinson’s diseaseand compare with a control group that has comparable disability with PD and ascertain the correlation of depressive symptoms severity with the severity of motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at the Neurology clinic of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).The presence and severity of depression in patients with PD measured using Becks Depression Inventory (BDI) and severity of PD using Unified Parkinson’s DiseaseRating Scale (UPDRS)-motor. Results: A total of 40 PD patients and 40 patients with non-complicated hypertension werestudied. This study showed that the prevalence of depression among subjects with Parkinson’s disease was significantly higher 72.5% as compared with control group, further comparing the mean BDI for PD and Hypertension using independent t-test shows statistical significance (t=-3.306, p-value< 0.001). However, there is no significant difference between the severity of depression among PD patients and control. The study also reported difference in the pattern of depressive symptoms as the PD progresses. Conclusions: The prevalence of depression in this study was significantly higher (72.5%) among patients with PD, with no significant difference in severity of depression. however, the pattern of depressive symptoms shows significant difference as PD progresses.We recommend the integration of mental health services into the care of Parkinson’s disease to ensure regular assessment of their mental health status and prompt treatment.