Depressive disorders in patients with Parkinson disease: the influence of the therapy of massage

Abstract

The parkinsonian patients frequently experience different movement disorders symptoms. The association of depression in these patients causes severe disability. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of massage-therapy in depressive patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). A number of 13 patients affected by severe depression were included in the study. A clinical examinations and neuroimaging studies have been performed. All patients underwent a neuropsychological assessment. Methods of screening for Parkinson’s disease have been performed also. The depression syndrome was estimated by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM.D.). We observed the insignificant amelioration of motor function only after second or third course of massage-therapy. But decreasing of depression (HAM.D. 38,15 +/- 2,12) had an important alleviation already after one 10-days course of massage (HAM.D. 22,34 +/- 3,62) and in dynamics its improves more significantly (HAM.D. 10,84 +/- 1,37). The clinical data suggest the complexity of depressive symptoms in PD patients which can be successftilly managed using massage-therapy. The depression syndrome worsens the general status of the patients and also requires treatment. In this connection the further studying of possibility of appointment to these patients of antidepressant treatment for complex rehabilitation is expedient.