Depression and anxiety among patients with Parkinson’s disease: A cross-sectional study in a Saudi population

Depression and anxiety are among the most common comorbidities in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Yet their prevalence and contributing factors in Saudi Arabia are poorly examined. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients with PD in Saudi Arabia, along with contributors, demographics, and clinical correlates. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in which 130 patients diagnosed with PD completed the validated Arabic versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) to ascertain the presence of depression and anxiety, respectively. Sociodemographic, patient-related factors, and clinical data were also collected and analyzed in conjunction with the aforementioned scales using univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Depression and anxiety were present in 67.7% and 62.3% of participants, respectively. Compared with the age group 41-50 years, the 51-60 and 61-70 groups were less likely to be depressed or anxious (P = .013 and P = .008). Lower education (high school or less) was associated with both depression and anxiety (P = .021 and P = .017). Anxiety (GAD-7) was associated with a history of major depressive disorder (P = .003). Longer PD duration was associated with higher odds of both anxiety and depression (P ≤ .001). Our study shows a high prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with PD, particularly among those with longer disease duration and lower educational attainment. Routine neuropsychological screening and early multidisciplinary care are warranted.