Parkinson's disease and atypical Parkinsonian syndromes are neurological disorders with prominent depressive symptoms. Assessment and treatment of depression are important to improve the activities of daily living and the quality of life of the patients. The efficacy of antidepressant treatment in Parkinson's disease has not been convincingly established yet. The use of antidepressants in atypical Parkinsonian syndromes (multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, Lewy body dementia and corticobasal degeneration) has been reported in single-case studies. This article provides updates on depressive symptoms in these disorders.