The Prevalence of Depression in Thai Parkinson’s Disease Patients and Their Associated Factors

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and identify the associated factors of depressive disorder in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital (MNRH).

Methods: This is a cross sectional study which was performed in consecutive PD patients at neurological clinic, MNRH between January and December 2010. Depressive symptoms were assessed according to Thai geriatric depression scale (TGDS). The baseline characteristics as age, sex, duration and severity of disease, treatment and cognitive status were collected. All data were analyzed for determining the prevalence and factors that might correlate with depressive disorders in patients with PD.

Result: Eighty-seven patients were enrolled in the study. Sixty-three point two percents (95%CI 52.9-73.5%) of patients had depressive disorders, 43.7%, 18.4% and 1.1% had mild, moderate and severe degree of depressive disorders respectively. Depression can be found in any stages of PD. The advance stage of the disease and presence of motor complications were the factors that had influenced on developing of depression in patients with PD (odds ratio 2.9 (95%CI 1.06-7.96) and 5.3 (95%CI 1.35-20.54) respectively.

Conclusion: The prevalence of depressive disorders in PD patients at MNRH Hospital was 63.2% (95%CI 52.9-73.5). Depression could be founded in any stage of PD. The advance stage of the disease and presence of motor complications were the significant associated factors for the recognition of this condition.