In the past decades much research has been done to increase our knowledge about the prevalence of depression in Parkinson's Disease, about existing correlations between these diseases and about possible causes of a depressive syndrome in parkinsonism.

A review of the literature is presented which focuses on the epidemiology, the symptomatology and the pathogenesis of depression in Parkinson's Disease. In the past tricyclic antidepressants have proved useful in the treatment of depressive as well as motor symptoms. Based on recent findings, however, serotonin-agonists of ECT may even be more effective.