Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological condition that hinders the ability to move. It affects each person differently and can cause symptoms such as tremors, difficulty initiating movement, trouble with speech and swallowing and many other symptoms. Individuals with Parkinson's disease may also suffer from depression and anxiety. To help fully manage the psychological symptoms of this condition, it is important to understand the causes of anxiety in Parkinson's disease, so that the right treatment approach can be started.
Reaction to the Diagnosis
The shock of receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease alone can raise anxiety levels, warns the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition, PD can cause many symptoms that may lead to feeling embarrassed in social settings. This and the constant worrying about disease progression can make patients anxious and even lead to panic attacks. The level of anxiety may rise whenever symptoms become worse. If symptoms of anxiety or depression occur, there are treatment options available to help increase the quality of life. This includes medications, counseling and exercise.
Chemical Imbalance
The exact cause of anxiety in Parkinson's patients has yet to be determined. However, it tends to be more prevalent in younger patients who are newly diagnosed. One theory is that abnormal levels of norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine may contribute to feelings of anxiety, and the areas of the brain that normally cope with these chemicals and feelings of anxiety may be impaired in those with PD. More research is needed to clarify the link between the neurological changes in the brain that occur with PD and the role those changes play in feeling anxious.
Medication
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps the body carry out smooth and coordinated movement. The symptoms of Parkinson's disease develop because the area of the brain that makes dopamine is being destroyed. Given this, medications that simulate the action of dopamine are often prescribed for PD patients. These drugs are often combined with many other medications to fully manage symptoms. However, some of these medications can cause anxiety as a side effect, especially if the dose if lowered. Patients may experience withdrawal symptoms from the medication, which can lead to feeling anxious.
Tumor
There have been cases where feelings of anxiety precede the onset of Parkinson's symptoms, states the American Psychiatric Association. This may be due to the chemical changes in the brain which can contribute to anxiety before any other PD symptoms appear. There have also been incidences where a brain tumor causes anxiety and symptoms suggestive of Parkinson's disease. In these cases, the anxiety and symptoms resolve when the tumor is removed.
