Depression in Parkinson's Disease (2020)

Dr. Vila-Rodriguez, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the UBC Faculty of Medicine, and the Director of the Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Therapies Laboratory and Schizophrenia Program delves into depression's prevalence and impact in Parkinson's disease, noting its common occurrence as a non-motor symptom.

He stresses the complexities in diagnosing depression due to overlapping symptoms and the lack of specific diagnostic tools. The need to differentiate between Parkinson's-related depression and primary depression is highlighted, alongside the adjustment process in individuals with Parkinson's. Additionally, the challenges of determining whether depression is a reaction to stress or a mood disorder in Parkinson's are discussed, with limited clarity on the effectiveness of antidepressants.

Non-invasive brain stimulation treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy and magnetic seizure therapy, are introduced as potential options for managing depression in Parkinson's disease. The talk also explores the relationship between faith, depression, and the increased risk associated with Parkinson's, along with advice on gradually discontinuing medications like gabapentin to prevent withdrawal effects.

View the video slides accompanying this presentation by clicking here.

**Disclaimer: These sessions are designed to provide general education and are not intended for individual advice and/or clinical care. The information conveyed in this recording was accurate at the time of presentation.**