Depression symptoms in movement disorders: Comparing Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and essential tremor

Abstract

Depression is common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and affects 30 to 50% of all patients. In contrast to the wealth of research on depression in PD, little is known about the occurrence of depression in other movement disorders. The primary objective of the current study was to determine whether the high prevalence of depression symptoms seen in PD is also found in other movement disorders, by directly comparing rates of specific depression symptoms and depression severity across PD, dystonia, and essential tremor (ET). Three hundred and fifty-four patients with PD, 83 patients with dystonia, and 53 patients with ET completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). We found no significant between-groups differences for depression severity, frequency, or endorsement of specific depression symptoms. Forty-eight percent of PD patients, 37.3% of dystonia patients, and 34% of ET patients were found to be at least mildly depressed (BDI score of 10 or higher). The most commonly endorsed symptoms were fatigability, difficulty with work, anhedonia, and sleep disturbance. Clinicians should be aware that depression is a frequent problem in dystonia and ET, in addition to PD, and inquire about depression symptoms in these patients so that they can be appropriately treated.

Impaired sleep quality and restless legs syndrome in idiopathic focal dystonia: a controlled study

“…In contrast, we identified robust correlations between PSQI, symptoms of depression, and RLS in both patient groups. Frequency of depressive symptoms in our patients with focal dystonia was lower than reported before (34-40%) [10,11,20], probably because most earlier studies used more detailed scales or interviews than BDI alone. Nevertheless, depression was clearly more frequent in dystonia than in controls.…”

Characteristics of depressive symptoms in essential tremor

“…23 Several reports had documented that depressive symptoms were elevated in patients who also had ET and the severity of these symptoms was correlated with tremor severity. 5,24 Clinicians have been aware of the high frequency of depression in ET, but the etiology of depression associated with ET is still unclear and little is known about whether depression in ET and depression in primary affective disorders share common clinical manifestations.…”

“…4 Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that depressive symptoms are common in ET. [5][6][7][8][9] Depression has a major impact on functional ability as well as the quality of life of patients with ET. 8,9 Furthermore, as well as being a secondary response to disease manifestations, depressive symptoms may be a primary feature of the underlying disease.…”

Cognitive and Psychological Anomalies in Parkinsons Disease: An Insight into Non-Motor Characteristic Features

“…Similar issue has been discussed by Miller et al and the authors have presented a meaningful discussion resourceful for healthcare professionals in PD [92]. Commonly prescribed antidepressants have been found effective for the PD patients and alongside the medication, exercise, yoga and meditation are advised for better outcome [93,94].…”