Dealing with Depression after a Parkinson’s Diagnosis

Parkinson’s disease is often thought of as a physical disease: in advanced cases, it is easy to see the tremors, tics, stiffness and mobility problems that characterize the disease. Yet there is a strong link between mental health and Parkinson’s disease, too, with dementia often settling in later stages of the disease. A more prominent mental health issue associated with Parkinson’s is depression. Parkinson’s literature suggests as many as half of people with Parkinson’s disease may also suffer from depression.

Depression is a serious condition that can interfere with everyday functioning, and in severe cases, can even lead to isolation, self-mutilation or suicide. While it can be triggered by stressful events, prolonged environmental or social circumstances, or even from medication, depression results from abnormal brain function of which the cause is not certain.

In addition to the classic depression signs of moodiness, unsociability, decreased hygiene or care for personal appearance, isolation or low self-esteem, Parkinson’s patients may exhibit different signs of depression than those people who do not have the disease. Differences in the symptom profile for people with Parkinson’s as opposed to those who do not may include:

Higher rates of anxiety

Sadness without guilt or self-blame

Frequent occurrences of suicidal thoughts but with fewer actual suicides

The good news is that depression, for both healthy individuals and those with Parkinson’s is treatable. Seeking and undergoing treatment for depression will allow people to feel better about themselves and their circumstances, and in the case of Parkinson’s sufferers, will allow them to focus more on overcoming the symptoms of their disease and living a more normal life.

Treatment should be a collaborative effort between the Parkinson’s physician and a qualified mental health professional, preferably a psychiatrist who can prescribe appropriate medication. By encouraging communication between neurologist and psychiatrist, potential medication interference can be avoided and best possible mental and physical health achieved more quickly.

Even when treated, depression does not disappear overnight, and it may take time to discover the right balance of medication and emotional therapy to help patients recover, even if they are very ill. No matter the stage of Parkinson’s a person might be experiencing, there is a treatment for depression that can be incorporated into his or her overall health treatment plan without compromising the efficacy of either program.

People with Parkinson’s, especially if they suffer from depression, may feel overwhelmed by the enormity of their health issues. It may be helpful to learn more about the disease and the advances that allow most people with Parkinson’s to live long and productive lives. It may also be comforting to consult with other people who have the disease and who have learned to live with it. Worldwide, there are national, regional and local associations dedicated to Parkinson’s disease research, education and helping people cope with it. This kind of real-life support from people who know what it is like to live with Parkinson’s can be an invaluable addition to the support network provided by family and friends.