Depression in Parkinson Disease: Current Understanding and Treatment

SUMMARYDepression has a negative impact on activities of daily living, cognitive performance, and quality of life. Despite the high prevalence of depressive symptoms in Parkinson disease (PD), this important clinical feature is under-recognized by physicians. Effective diagnosis, assessment and treatment of depression are, therefore, important aspects of PD management. In this article, we review the literature concerning depression associated with PD, paying specific attention to clinical presentation, diagnosis, etiology, and the principles of management and treatment. The efficacy and safety of antidepressants must rely on empiric assessments of known risks and putative benefits to guide treatment decisions.