Anxiety is a common symptom of Parkinson’s due to changes in brain chemistry.
Medication, exercise, and therapy for anxiety can maintain mental wellbeing.
What is anxiety?
The reduction in dopamine levels can lead to chemical imbalances in the brain, which contribute to anxiety. The stress of living with a chronic condition and the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s can exacerbate feelings of anxiety. This combination of neurological and psychological factors makes anxiety a prevalent non-motor symptom in people with Parkinson’s. However, anxiety is manageable with medication, exercise, and therapy to maintain mental wellbeing.
Living with Parkinson’s, unexplained anxiety can be a frequent and challenging experience, often as debilitating as the motor symptoms of the disease.
Anxiety can significantly affect how you see yourself, your body, and your role in social situations. It’s not just about feeling nervous; it’s about how it changes your daily life and interactions.
Anxiety often occurs alongside other Parkinson’s non-motor symptoms like depression and apathy. It’s important for doctors to regularly check for anxiety because it can be missed during routine consultations, especially if you’re not actively seeking help for it.
Some people with Parkinson’s may resist taking additional medication for anxiety or seeing a psychiatrist because they feel their anxiety is just another part of Parkinson’s. However, understanding and treating anxiety comprehensively involves looking beyond just the physical symptoms and considering the emotional and social impacts as well.
Coping strategies
People use different ways to manage anxiety, like mindfulness, exercise, or connecting with others who understand Parkinson’s. These methods can help change how you relate to anxious thoughts and feelings.
Effective treatment should consider both the brain and your personal experience of anxiety. This means not only using medication but also therapies that address the psychological and social aspects of anxiety.
It’s necessary to have open discussions with your care partner and care team to explore all possible ways to manage it effectively. Future research aims to better understand the connection between anxiety and Parkinson’s to improve treatment options.
How do I access a mental health supports?
Accessing occupational therapy services can make a significant difference in managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s, improving quality of life and maintaining independence.
It’s advisable to explore all available pathways to find the support that best suits your individual needs. Look to:
- getting a GP referral and mental health plan
- Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) find a social worker near you
- Australian Psychological Society (APS) find a psychologist near you
Infosheet currently under review
Australia's professional association and peak body for social workers
References:
(1) Chen, J. J., & Marsh, L. (2014). Anxiety in Parkinson's disease: identification and management. Therapeutic advances in neurological disorders, 7(1), 52–59. https://doi.org/10.1177/1756285613495723
(2) Blundell, E.K., Grover, L.E., Stott, J. et al. The experience of Anxiety for people with Parkinson’s disease. npj Parkinsons Dis. 9, 75 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41531-023-00512-1
