New Study Establishes Link between Depression and Parkinson
Depression and anxiety problems are more common among people who diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, compared to the general population – new research found.
US researchers say depression increases in frequency in Parkinson’s patients and is often left untreated.
In the study, a team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine examined 423 newly-diagnosed Parkinson’s patients and tracked their mental health over two years. At the start of the research, 14% of patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease were found to have depression, compared with 6.6% of a group of healthy volunteers. Meanwhile, 16% of patients with Parkinson’s were taking an anti-depressant, and this increased significantly to 25% two years later.
During the follow-up, there was a small rise in the frequency and severity of depression in the group with Parkinson’s, while in the control group a decrease was noted.
But 65-72% of patients who screened positive for depression were still not being treated with medication, the study said.
Parkinson’s disease during Depression ‘Unrecognised’
Dr Daniel Weintraub, associate professor of psychiatry and neurology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, said depression in Parkinson’s disease was under-recognised.
"There are psychological reasons why people who have been diagnosed with a neuro-degenerative disease like Parkinson’s can become depressed, but their brain pathways are also affected by the disease and these are closely associated with mood."
According to Prof David Burn, a mental health expert from the University of Newcastle, depression can be a sign of Parkinson’s.
"It is well-recognised that people do get depression and anxiety up to 10 years before they develop Parkinson’s disease.
"People recognise the tremor and movement problems of Parkinson’s, but the disease actually starts in the brain, affecting certain chemicals.
"This can cause sleep problems initially and can also lead to minor forms of depression."
Depression can also be a side effect of Parkinson’s drugs. Robin Williams, who died in an apparent suicide last week, was found to be under the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. Since there are many possible causes, Parkinson’s UK says it is important that patients speak to their healthcare professional if they are worried about their symptoms.
Source of this article: Depression ’more common’ in early Parkinson’s
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