Prevalence and factors associated with mental health status in Parkinson's disease: Data from the 45 and Up Study

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with a range of non-motor
symptomologies such as anxiety and depression.
Objective: The purpose of this research was to investigate the prevalence and factors
associated with mental health status in persons with PD.
Design: This retrospective data linkage study analysed a subset of data from
the Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study based in the population of the state of New
South Wales (NSW), Australia. Data was analysed between 2005-2009 of persons
who self-identified with PD. Secure data access was provided through the Sax
Institute’s Secure Unified Research Environment (SURE). Participants were aged
45+ years of age and living in NSW, Australia. Regression analysis was performed
on psychological distress (K10), previous diagnosis of anxiety, and/or depression,
with independent variables for locality, demographic, health, medical, and sociocultural
factors.
Findings: A total of 1676 persons self-identified with PD from the 45 and
Up Study Wave 1 baseline and were linked to the 2010 Social, Economic and
Environmental Factors (SEEF) survey dataset. Mental health manifestations are
common in PD with 29% and 32% reporting a previous medical diagnosis of anxiety
and depression, respectively. Rural locality was associated with an increased
likelihood of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression compared to metropolitan
locality.
Discussion: Mental health status in PD was associated with living in rural areas,
medical service access, female gender, ageing, physical mobility, Australian born,
social interactions, and in a coupled relationship.
Conclusion: Further research is required on the longitudinal impact of these associations
on mental health in PD.