Link between Parkinson's Disease and Anxiety, plus coping strategies
Living with Parkinson's and Anxiety: A Guide for Understanding and Managing
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder that affects movement, but it can also have a significant impact on a person's mental health. One of the common mental health issues associated with PD is anxiety.
Anxiety disorders linked to PD predominantly include generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), among others. These disorders are often emerging early and related to cortical and neurotransmitter changes caused by PD.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, which is common in PD patients. Panic attacks, sudden episodes of intense fear and physiological symptoms, have been reported and may be part of PD-associated anxiety. Social anxiety, or anxiety related to social situations, can also affect PD patients, partly due to motor symptoms or stigma.
Anxiety in PD is often linked to neurodegenerative changes in brain areas involved in mood regulation, such as thinning in the frontal and cingulate cortices and abnormalities in dopaminergic, serotonergic, and noradrenergic systems. Anxiety frequently co-occurs with depression, which is also common in PD, and both share overlapping neurochemical and structural substrates.
If you are living with PD and experiencing anxiety, there are several steps you can take to manage it. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are often prescribed as the first-line treatment for anxiety. Examples include fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft). Benzodiazepines, like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax), are another possible option for anxiety treatment, but they have associated side effects that a person should discuss with a healthcare professional prior to taking them.
Socialization, including getting together with friends and family or joining support groups, may help people with PD cope better with anxiety. Several organizations offer support for people with PD and their families and carers. The Parkinson's Foundation, for instance, offers a Helpline (1-800-4PD-INFO) for up-to-date information on the condition and emotional support.
Anxiety can impact the overall quality of life for a person with PD, affecting treatment compliance, caregiver burden, increased risk of falls, and cognition. It is essential to speak with a healthcare professional if you develop symptoms that could indicate Parkinson's disease or anxiety. A healthy diet can provide nutrients necessary for overall body function and weight management, and maintaining a regular exercise routine can help lower symptoms associated with anxiety and improve mood.
In summary, if you are living with PD, it is essential to be aware of the potential for anxiety and take steps to manage it. By understanding the common anxiety disorders linked to PD, seeking support, and working closely with your healthcare team, you can improve your quality of life and better manage the challenges associated with PD.
In the context of living with Parkinson's disease (PD), it's crucial to recognize that anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, can significantly impact a person's mental health and overall well-being. Science and health-and-wellness professionals are actively researching the connections between PD and these mental health issues, focusing on the role of neurodegenerative changes in the brain and the impact on mental health.
