Objective: Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are currently used for treating depression in PD. Many cases of extrapyramidal side effects and exacerbation of PD symptoms due to SSRIs have been reported. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of sertraline on motor performance and depressive symptoms in a group of depressed PD patients.
Method: Twentyfive, nonfluctuating PD patients with depression or dysthymic disorder according to the DSM-IV criteria were enrolled in the study. Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Hoehn-Yahr Scale were used for the assessments of depression and parkinsonism respectively. Cognitive functions were assessed by Kökmen’s Short Test of Mental Status. Patients were given 50mgs/d sertraline for 12 weeks.
Results: Twentyone patients (12 men, 9 women) completed the study (mean age±SD: 65.09±10.3 years, mean PD duration±SD: 44.2±27.2 months). Mean baseline MADRS score (24.8±7.36) was significantly reduced (18.04±5.9) (p=0.000) and UPDRS score remained stable. One patient did show an increase of parkinsonian tremor. Three patients excluded from the study due to side effects of sertraline and one patient did not come to the final visit was excluded from the study.
Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that sertraline does not worsen motor performance and may be useful in the treatment of depression in PD.