Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression in Parkinson's Disease

Depression in Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Project Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to Improve Depression and Coping

The purpose of this pilot program is to develop and evaluate a new treatment program for depression in Parkinson's disease (PD). The treatment uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy(CBT)to teach patients how to become more aware of their thoughts and feelings and to change thinking patterns and behaviors that may be related to depressive symptoms. This is the first time that this treatment has been used in a group setting for depression in PD.

Target population is patients in the Movement Disorders Clinic at Oregon Health & Science University who have Parkinson's disease and mild to moderate depression.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Parkinson's disease, mild to moderate depression, seen at Oregon Health & Science University

Exclusion Criteria:

• Suicidal
• Cognitive impairment with MOCA <26