Depression and Quality of Life of Parkinson’s disease patients – A hospital-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the levels of depression among patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), the factors influencing their levels, and determine their influence on their Quality of Life (QoL). The study was conducted at the movement disorders outpatient department, Rajiv Gandhi Government General hospital, where 50 patients with diagnosed PD were enrolled. They were interviewed for their levels of depression and QoL using respective standardized depression and QoL assessment questionnaires. Patients with PD were mostly above the age of 50 and were male. Their levels of depression ranged between normal to mild and borderline depression and their QoL scores were also moderate. Among their QoL domains, the emotional well-being, and cognition of patients were found to be more affected when compared to other domains. The prevalence and severity of depression among patients with PD were mild, but they play an important role in determining their QoL, especially the emotional well-being and cognitive performance of patients.