Connection Between Parkinson's Disease and Depression
Informal Take on Parkinson's and Depression
Hey there! Let's talk about the tricky relationship between Parkinson's disease and depression.
Receiving a Parkinson's diagnosis can sure be a shock, and it's not surprising that it often leads to feeling down. In fact, around half of all Parkinson's patients experience depression at some point.
It all begins with confusion and questions, like "What's this all mean?", "What's next?", and "How will this change my life?" Once the reality sets in, grief and depression aren't far behind. As one PD patient shared, "When I got diagnosed, I came home and cried. I thought my life was over."
But guess what? A Parkinson's diagnosis isn't the only factor causing depression in patients. The disease itself alters the brain chemistry that usually keeps depression at bay. That's because, just like Parkinson's, depression is about imbalanced brain chemicals.
Remember, getting depressed after a Parkinson's diagnosis doesn't mean you're weak or flawed. It's all about those chemicals, buddy.
It's interesting to note that depression can even be an early sign of Parkinson's, but unfortunately, it's not a routine check for Parkinson's patients. It's still not clear if the medications prescribed for PD symptoms contribute to or worsen depression. The same goes for how PD affects pre-existing depression or how the meds used for PD affect pre-existing mental health issues.
The good news is, depression is treatable, even if it comes with other conditions. And don't worry, it doesn't last forever. Finding the right combo of medication can help 'em fight both PD symptoms and depression. Remember, though, PD treatment needs to be comprehensive, tackling both the physical and emotional side effects.
venturing out can help ease those depressive feelings, too. One patient told us, "I started meeting other people with PD, and it was cool to talk about our shared struggles." There are tons of physical and online communities out there where you can connect with fellow PD warriors.
No matter what, set yourself a goal. Without one, you might find yourself drifting through life instead of living it. Accept the diagnosis, move on, and keep fighting.
Dr. Nicola Davies, a Health Psychology expert, wrote the original piece. She's a member of the British Psychological Society and the Division of Health Psychology.
First published in Parkinson's Life
FYI
Depression is common in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), affecting about 40% of patients over time. Regular symptoms include sadness, hopelessness, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and loss of interest in activities.
Support groups, psychotherapy, and medication are effective treatments for depression in PD. A deeper understanding of the biological underpinnings of depression in PD can help develop targeted treatments.
Managing depression in PD requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes medication, psychotherapy, and support for patients and caregivers.
Dementia is another psychiatric symptom common in PD, which can complicate depression management.
Caregivers should focus on their own mental health to provide effective support for their loved ones with PD.
Science shows that depression is a common condition in individuals with Parkinsons disease (PD), affecting about 40% of patients over time. This mental health issue, often marked by symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and loss of interest in activities, is not only linked to the emotional impact of the diagnosis but also due to neurological disorders like PD that alter the brain chemistry. A comprehensive approach to treatment, combining medication, psychotherapy, and support for both patients and caregivers, is essential for managing depression in PD, as part of the wider health-and-wellness and health-psychology context.
