Are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors associated with greater apathy in Parkinson's disease?

J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2012 Summer;24(3):326-30. doi: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.11090210.

Abstract

Apathy is a common neuropsychiatric feature of Parkinson's disease (PD), but little is known of relationships between apathy and specific medications in PD. Following a retrospective database and chart review of 181 Parkinson's patients, relationships between Apathy Scale scores and use of psychotropic and antiparkinsonian medications were examined with multiple regression. Controlling for age, sex, education, and depression, the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), but not other antidepressants, was associated with greater apathy. Use of monoamine oxidase B inhibitors was associated with less apathy. Longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate a potential SSRI-induced apathy syndrome in PD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antidepressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Apathy / drug effects*
  • Depression / drug therapy*
  • Depression / epidemiology
  • Depression / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy
  • Parkinson Disease / epidemiology
  • Parkinson Disease / psychology*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors