The relationship between depression and disability in idiopathic
Parkinson's disease (PD) was examined in 31 outpatients. Thirteen percent
had current major depression (MD), 10% dysthymia, and 32% a lifetime
history of MD. Depression was significantly related to both illness
severity and functional impairment. Male patients with early- onset PD
(before age 55) had more mood and anxiety disorders than late- onset male
patients. Patients with right-sided PD had significantly more depressive
symptoms than those with left-sided PD. On multiple regression analyses,
depression predicted impaired social, role, and physical functioning for
men (but not for women), independent of the impact of illness severity. The
results suggest that treatment of depression may improve function; however,
findings of gender differences will require replication.
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