Citation

Merschdorf U, Berg D, Csoti I, Fornadi F, Merz B, Naumann M, Becker G, Supprian T. Psychopathology 2003; 36(5): 221-225.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Karger Publishers)

DOI

10.1159/000073446

PMID

14571050

Abstract

Parkinson's disease is frequently associated with depressive symptoms. When depression occurs at early stages and before the onset of characteristic motor symptoms of the disease, differential diagnosis of major depression may be difficult. Differences in psychopathological features of depression in Parkinson's disease and major depression have been reported by some authors. This study presents data of 49 patients with depression in Parkinson's disease and 38 patients with major depression. The severity of depressive symptoms was equivalent in both groups. Depressive features did not differ between the two groups with exception of affective flattening, delusional ideas and suicide attempts. In conclusion, this investigation gives support to the assumption of a common neurobiological origin of depression in Parkinson's disease and major depression.

Language: en

Keywords

Affect; Aged; Depressive Disorder; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Parkinson Disease; Suicide, Attempted