Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive brain disorder that affects muscle control, balance, and movement due to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons. It leads to motor symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and dysphagia, along with non-motor symptoms such as depression and anxiety. These mental health challenges worsen the quality of life for individuals with PD.
Typically, Parkinson’s affects people over the age of 50. However, there are rare cases where even younger people are affected.
Recognize Depression and Anxiety in Parkinson’s
Depression and anxiety are common yet often overlooked non-motor symptoms of PD. Patients with both conditions tend to experience greater motor impairment and emotional difficulties, which further reduce their quality of life.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s
Following are the symptoms of PD:
- Tremors of the hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face
- Numbness or weakness in the limbs
- Impaired balance and coordination
- Rigidity
- Slurred speech
- Spastic limb movements
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Depression and anxiety
- Hypomimia or masked face
- Micrographia or small handwriting
- Dizzy spells
- Stooped posture
- Dragging of feet
- Episodes of freezing of movement
- Short stepping/shuffling gait
- Slowing of movement (bradykinesia)
- Dysphagia and drooling
- Hypophonia or unusually soft voice
- Loss of muscle control in first one side of the body and then the other
- Loss of control over movements like blinking or smiling
Symptoms of Depression
Following are the symptoms of Depression:
- Feeling anxious or empty
- Feeling persistently sad
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling guilty, worthless or helpless
- Feeling restless or irritable
- Feeling tired all the time
- Lack of motivation
- Insomnia or sleeping all the time
- Overeating or loss of appetite
- Suicidal tendencies
- Digestive problems, headaches, cramps, aches and pains
- Difficulty in concentrating, remembering details or making decisions
- Loss of interest in activities that the individual once found enjoyable
Common Symptoms of Depression and Parkinson’s
Some symptoms are common to both depression and Parkinson’s. Some of these are –
- Fatigue
- Lacking energy
- Insomnia and sleep problems
Parkinson’s patients may also experience depression. These patients can find it extremely difficult to manage the symptoms of both their conditions. They tend to experience greater levels of anxiety and have greater motor impairment as compared to those who have only PD.
How Does Parkinson’s Disease Influence Depression?
Parkinson’s disease directly affects brain chemistry by reducing dopamine production. This deficiency not only impairs motor functions but also disrupts mood regulation, making depression and anxiety common in patients.
The relationship between Parkinson’s and depression is linked to the disease’s impact on dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation. As dopamine levels decrease, both motor functions and mental health are compromised.
Brain Chemistry in Parkinson’s Disease – Parkinson’s disease alters brain chemistry, especially by reducing dopamine, which controls both movement and mood. This imbalance causes motor symptoms as well as emotional and cognitive difficulties, such as depression and anxiety.
Causes of Depression
Depression may be attributed to:
- Family history
- Childhood trauma
- Drug abuse
- Certain medical conditions
- Neurological disorders such as –
- Epilepsy
- Migraine
- Eating disorders
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Dementia
- Mood disorders
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Psychotic disorders
- Sleep disorders
You can read more about depression here.
Effective Therapies for Managing Depression in Parkinson’s
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with depression. It is particularly effective for addressing the cognitive distortions often experienced by those with Parkinson’s depression.
Psychotherapy
Individual or group therapy can provide a supportive environment for patients to express their feelings, share experiences, and learn coping strategies. Support groups can also foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. These techniques encourage patients to stay present and manage negative emotions.
Medication Management
Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of depression. Regular monitoring by a healthcare professional is essential to find the right medication and dosage.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists can help patients engage in meaningful activities that promote a sense of purpose and accomplishment. This can be particularly beneficial in addressing the challenges of daily living that contribute to depression.
Exercise Therapy
Regular physical activity has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Tailored exercise programs, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can enhance physical fitness and mental health.
Speech and Language Therapy
For patients experiencing communication difficulties, speech therapy can improve verbal expression and social interaction, thereby reducing frustration and enhancing social support, which can positively impact mood.
Supportive Counseling
Counseling that focuses on emotional support and coping strategies can help patients navigate the emotional challenges of living with Parkinson’s, providing tools to manage anxiety and depression effectively.
Art or Music Therapy
Creative therapies like art and music therapy allow patients to express their feelings non-verbally. These therapeutic approaches can provide emotional relief and improve overall mental health.
Neuromodulation Techniques
In some cases, neuromodulation treatments like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may be considered for severe cases of depression in Parkinson’s disease when other treatments have not been effective.
Being diagnosed with PD can be very stressful and upsetting. As a sense of despair sets in many patients, depression can also follow suit. While helping you manage your symptoms of PD, your doctor will also actively monitor your behavioural patterns for depression.
We urge you to reach out for help the moment you feel something’s not quite right. Depression is not the end of the road. It is merely a detour that can be managed. On your part, you must ensure you get adequate sleep, eat well-balanced meals, and follow an exercise routine. It’s the simple things that can help you fight depression.
At Plexus’ Neuropsychiatric Care Clinic, Dr Na’eem Sadiq and his team of neuropsychiatric experts will help you manage your depression. We offer customised rehabilitation programmes that will enable you to find a renewed purpose in life.
Book an appointment with us today.
WhatsApp +91 89048 42087
Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)
FAQs
Does Parkinson’s disease make you depressed?
Yes, many people with PD develop depression due to changes in brain chemistry and the emotional burden of living with a chronic illness.
Why do people with Parkinson’s disease get depression?
Depression in Parkinson’s disease is linked to dopamine deficiency, which affects mood regulation and increases emotional distress.
How does Parkinson’s affect mental health?
Parkinson’s leads to depression, anxiety, and cognitive challenges due to disrupted neurotransmitter activity in the brain.
What is the last stage of Parkinson’s disease?
The final stage involves severe movement limitations, difficulty with daily tasks, and often severe cognitive decline.
What are the 5 stages of Parkinson’s?
The stages range from mild symptoms affecting one side of the body to severe motor and cognitive impairment.
Is Parkinson’s a mental issue?
While primarily a neurodegenerative disorder, Parkinson’s also significantly affects mental health, leading to conditions like depression and anxiety.
