Evaluation of frequency of depression in a subset of population with idiopathic parkinsonism in a tertiary care hospital

Objectives. To determine the frequency of depression in patients with idiopathic parkinsonism presenting to a tertiary care Hospital in Karachi. Material and methods. This case study was conducted at the neurology department Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi (JPMC). The duration of the study was six months from 22nd January 2019 to 2nd June 2019. A total of 114 patients of parkinsonism (idiopathic Parkinson’s disease) were included in this study. Patients were assured of confidentiality. They were given questionnaire with Beck depression inventory while waiting in the neurology outpatient clinic. Questionnaire was taken back after 25 minutes. Patient score more than 9 was diagnosed as depression. The identified depressed patient was offered treatment. Results. Frequency of depression in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease was observed in 48.25% (55/114) cases. Conclusions. It is concluded that our study indicates the burden of depression in Parkinson disease (PD) patients. However, even with stable or mild deficit in motor function, the wide prevalence of depression indicates that it should be suspected and treated. Over the past several years, systematic studies of depression and its treatment have contributed significantly to this most challenging psychiatric problem in PD. Hence, there is a need of policy for screening and prompt treatment of such patients so they could lead to enhance quality of life.