Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of depression in caregivers of Parkinson’s disease patients.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional

Place and Duration of Study: Conducted at Qazi Hussain Ahmed Medical Complex Nowshera for the duration of six months from 1st August, 2019 to 31st January, 2020.

Methodology: A total of 150 cases fulfilling the inclusion/exclusion criteria were enrolled. Detailed history was taken from the caregivers by the researcher. The caregivers were evaluated for depression according to DSM-IV criteria, the presence/absence of depression was recorded. Data was analyzed by SPSS 24.0.

Results: Caregiver’s common age was calculated as 49.64±5.30 years, 48.67% (n=73) were male and 51.33% (n=77) were females. Frequency of depression in caregivers of Parkinson’s disease patients was recorded in 44.67% (n=67) whereas 55.33% (n=83) caregivers had no depression.

Conclusion: The frequency of depression is higher in caregivers of Parkinson’s disease patients; however, the results of our study generated the baseline data and it will be helpful for the caregivers and psychiatrists as well while managing the Parkinson’s disease.

Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, caregivers, depression