Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease has a major impact on quality of life. This cross-sectional study assessed 43 idiopathic Parkinson's disease patients in order to evaluate the impact of Parkinson's disease severity (Hoehn and Yahr scale), anxiety, and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) on quality of life (Short Form-36 Health Survey questionnaire). Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Short Form-36 Health Survey scores were significantly correlated in Hoehn and Yahr stage 2 Parkinson's disease (n=33), and anxiety had a strong correlation with physical score. Multivariate analysis (n=43) revealed that anxiety was the strongest predictor of quality of life. Anxious and depressive symptoms have a different meaning in Parkinson's disease, and both must be routinely assessed in order to optimize quality of life. (The journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences 2009; 21:413-419)