Randomized study of sertraline and low-dose amitriptyline in patients with Parkinson's disease and depression: effect on quality of life

Mov Disord. 2006 Aug;21(8):1119-22. doi: 10.1002/mds.20895.

Abstract

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 prospective single-blind randomized 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.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amitriptyline / therapeutic use*
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Depression / etiology
  • Depression / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parkinson Disease / psychology*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Sertraline / therapeutic use*
  • Single-Blind Method

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Amitriptyline
  • Sertraline