Suicidal ideation in early-onset Parkinson's disease

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD) is associated with increased depression.
• The clinical characteristics and prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) in EOPD are not well understood.
• This study compares SI prevalence and identifies associated factors in EOPD versus late-onset Parkinson's disease (LOPD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of SI in EOPD patients.
• To identify factors associated with and predicting SI in EOPD.
• To compare SI prevalence between EOPD and LOPD patients.

Main Methods:

• A case-control, cross-sectional, and longitudinal study design was employed.
• Propensity score matching (PSM) balanced 577 EOPD and 2973 LOPD patients.
• Suicidal ideation was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); 96 EOPD patients were followed for predictors of SI.

Main Results:

• Post-PSM, EOPD patients had significantly higher SI prevalence (22.0% vs. 13.3%, P < 0.001).
• Depression, dyskinesia, non-smoking, lower education, and higher Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) scores were linked to SI.
• Baseline depression was the sole independent predictor for future SI development in EOPD.

Conclusions:

• EOPD patients demonstrate a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation compared to LOPD patients.
• Depression is a significant risk factor for SI in EOPD.
• Routine screening for SI is crucial in EOPD patients, particularly those with depression.