Depression and neurological disorders

Depression is the most common psychiatric disorderin neurological disorders such as epilepsy, multiplesclerosis, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease. It is associated with reduction of quality of life, functional impairment, and higher mortality. The diagnosis of depression in neurological disorders is difficul tbecause of the overlapping symptoms. Neurological disorders are usually associated with sleep and appetite disturbances, fatigue, apathy, and lack of concentration, which is similar to those of depression.The etiology of depression with neurological disordersis unknown, but the interaction between biological,psychosocial, and neuropathological factors could be responsible for it. Few controlled trials have been carried out to investigate the efficacy of psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions in this population, and it seems that they are effectivein improving depression, quality of life, and survival.Studies pertaining to prevention of depression inneurological disorders are promising.