Efficacy of Psychotherapy for Depressed Parkinson's Disease Patients
Depression, Parkinson's Disease
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Depression
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Outpatients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and between stages 1 and 3 in the modified Hohn & Yahr Clinical Staging Scale
- Diagnosis of a depressive disorder
- Score ≥ 12 on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale
- Living independently
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of bipolar disorder or psychotic symptoms (other than drug induced)
- Substance-related disorders in the last 12 months
- Acutely suicidal or history of suicide attempts in the past 5 years
- Presence of cognitive deficits (i.e., score ≤ 24 on the Mini Mental Status Exam) or history of significant cognitive disorders
- Presence of other significant neurological problems
- Presence of unstable comorbid medical conditions
- Currently receiving psychotherapy
- Unable to attend weekly therapy sessions
Sites / Locations
- The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa
- The Ottawa Hospital
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
Supportive Psychotherapy (SP)
Patients assigned to IPT will receive 12 sessions of individual therapy of approximately 50 minutes duration. Therapy will be manualized and slightly adapted to meet the needs of patients with Parkinson's Disease. Therapy focuses on one of four interpersonal events that are linked with onset or maintenance of depression (role transition, role disputes, unresolved grief, and interpersonal deficits).
Patients assigned to SP will receive 12 sessions of individual therapy of approximately 50 minutes duration. SP strives to create a supportive therapeutic relationship by emphasizing non-specific therapeutic interactions and techniques. Therapy will be manualized,