Work

Dissociating apathy and depression in Parkinson disease

Year: 2006

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine the hypothesis that apathy is a core feature of Parkinson disease (PD) and that apathy can be dissociated from depression. METHODS: Eighty patients with PD and 20 patients with dystonia completed depression and apathy measures including the Marin Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Centers for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D). RESULTS: There was a significantly higher severity and frequency of apathy in PD (frequency = 51%, 41/80) than in dystonia (frequency = 20%, 4/20). Apathy in the absence of depression was frequent in PD and did not occur in dystonia (PD = 28.8%, dystonia = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Parkinson disease (PD) experienced significantly higher frequency and severity of apathy when compared with patients with dystonia. Apathy may be a "core" feature of PD and occurs in the absence of depression.

Source: Neurology

DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000230572.07791.22

Authors: L. Kirsch-Darrow, H. F. Fernandez, M. Marsiske, M. S. Okun, D. Bowers

Institutions: University of Florida Health, University of Florida

Language: English

Topic: Parkinson's Disease Mechanisms and Treatments

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke