An acceptability analysis showed that SSRIs were generally well tolerated .
Conclusions These results suggest that there is insufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis of no differences in efficacy between SSRIs and placebo in the treatment of depression in PD .
Background Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for the treatment of depression in patients with Parkinson 's Disease ( PD ) but data on their efficacy are controversial .
Randomized study of sertraline and low-dose amitriptyline in patients with Parkinson's disease and depression: effect on quality of life.
We assessed the effect of 3-month treatment of sertraline ( 50 mg ) or low-dose amitriptyline ( 25 mg ) on depression and quality of life in 31 patients with Parkinson 's disease in a prospect i ve single-blind r and omized study . Both drugs significantly reduced the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale ( HDRS-17 ) score . Completion rate was 75 % for sertraline ( 12 of 16 ) and 73 % for amitriptyline ( 11 of 15 ) . Responder rate ( HDRS-17 score reduction > /= 50 % ) was 83.3 % for sertraline and 72.7 % for amitriptyline . Sertraline but not amitriptyline treatment determined a significant benefit on quality of life ( PDQ-39 scale ) . We found no change in Unified Parkinson 's Disease Rating Scale scores . However , the improvement in specific PDQ-39 subscores ( mobility , activities of daily living , and stigma ) suggests that depression affects patient self-perception of motor function and further emphasizes the need for its treatment
An acceptability analysis showed that SSRIs were generally well tolerated .
Conclusions These results suggest that there is insufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis of no differences in efficacy between SSRIs and placebo in the treatment of depression in PD .
Background Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for the treatment of depression in patients with Parkinson 's Disease ( PD ) but data on their efficacy are controversial .