Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of depression among Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients attending an outpatient clinic and review current management to improve diagnosis and treatment of depression.

Background: Depression is a common non-motor symptom in PD, affecting up to 35% of patients. It significantly impacts quality of life and disease outcomes. It is estimated in Parkinson’s patients that depression is underdiagnosed by as much as 50%. As a result Depression is often undertreated in PD patients, with approximately only 20% prescribed antidepressants.

Method: A retrospective audit was conducted on clinic letters from the outpatient PD clinic at Osborne Park Hospital over a six months period (January 2024 to June 2024). Only the first clinic visit of patients with multiple visits was included in the analysis. Patients with benign essential tremor were excluded.

Results: A total of 58 patients were audited. Depression was documented in 20.7% of patients, with 5.2% having both anxiety and depression, and 8.6% having anxiety alone. Patients’ mood was discussed in 70.7% of consultations, with 24.1% reporting low mood and 46.6% denying symptoms of depression. Patients mood was not discussed in 29.3% of consultations.

The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), was used as screening tool and completed in 24.1% of patients, with an average GDS score of 5.5, suggesting depression. 68.1% of patients with documented mood disorders were prescribed antidepressants (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, Selective Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors, or Mirtazapine), while 31.8% remained untreated. Notably, 8.6% of patients were prescribed Mirtazapine without a clear indication or documented mood disorder.

Conclusion: The prevalence of depression/ low mood in our PD clinic (37%) is similar to international data. However, inconsistent documentation and screening rates suggest that some cases may remain undiagnosed. Despite global concerns of undertreatment, our audit demonstrates higher treatment rate (68.1%) than reported in the literature, yet 31.8% of identified cases remain untreated. These findings highlight the need to incorporate routine screening, improved documentation and clinician confidence in prescribing antidepressants. A 12-month re-audit will assess the impact of these interventions of recognition and management of depression in the PD clinic.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/prevalence-and-management-of-depression-among-parkinsons-patients-in-an-outpatient-clinic-setting/