Major depression and health-related quality of life in Parkinson's disease

Depression is a common psychiatric condition in Parkinson's disease (PD), yet the burden of depression on health-related quality of life (HRQL) has not been clearly delineated in this patient population. Objective: To evaluate the impact of depression and life stress on HRQL in the Canadian community dwelling population with PD. Methods: A total of 259 respondents from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS 1.1) with self-reported PD were interviewed. Measures included Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HU13), Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short Form for Major Depression and a single question regarding the amount of stress in their lives most days. Adjusted HU13 scores were compared according to depression and life stress using ANCOVA models. Results: Respondents without depression had overall HU13 scores that were 0.29 units higher than respondents with depression [adjusted mean (95% CI) 0.49 (0.39-0.59) vs. 0.20 (0.03-0.37)]. The difference in overall HU13 scores between respondents who reported high levels of stress as those who did not was 0.19 [adjusted mean (95% CI) 0.42 (0.29-0.55) vs. 0.23 (0.10-0.36)]. Conclusions: Substantial impact of depression and life stress, two modifiable factors, on HRQL is seen in PD. HRQL may be improved by clinical management of these nonmotor symptoms in PD. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.