Anxiety and depression could be symptoms leading to Parkinson’s disease
- Learn more about the ailment on the eve of World Parkinson’s Day 2021
April 11th is commemorated as World Parkinson’s Day, and on the occasion, it is important we develop more understanding about the ailment. While, proper diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is difficult, particularly in the early stages, it may take years before the ailment is accurately diagnosed. The fact that symptoms and progression of symptoms varies between individuals adds to the complexity of diagnosing Parkinson’s disease.
Elaborating on the symptoms, Dr. Abhinay M Huchche, Consultant Neuro-Physician, SLG Hospitals said, “Though Parkinson’s disease causes slowing of overall body movements, mental health issues are quite common (70-80%) in such patients. Not infrequently, the disease manifests with mental disorders (anxiety, depression) rather than physical slowing. These mental disorders have a greater impact on the overall quality of life then the physical disability. Depression is the commonest mental disorder, along with feeling sad, reduced interest on surroundings, phobia of socializing, among Parkinson’s disease victims. Various types of sleep disturbances, visual hallucinations, thoughts filled with paranoia, etc. are also noticed.”
“Screening for mental health issues in the first visit to the neurologist is essential to understand the mental health issues. In the busy clinics, the caretaker must proactively bring up issues pertaining to mental health so that they can be addressed. Usually, a multidisciplinary approach is needed to understand and tackle mental health issues. An exercise program for victims of Parkinson’s disease helps boost their motivation and support groups help them overcome the depression. Appropriate medicines are added as per the need. Psychoses (Hallucinations and delusions) wherein PD individuals lose touch with reality has to be dealt with sensitively. Caregivers and society need to be told that it is their faulty mind and not the original person that is behaving abnormally. Psychology, therapy and drugs form the core of therapy,” added Dr. Abhinay M Huchche.
Mental health issues are underrated, stigmatized and unaddressed in our society; and such conditions could be linked to more serious complications like Parkinson’s disease. It is important we take a sympathetic approach to the victims of Parkinson’s disease, and the social circle around such individuals promptly identifies these symptoms and provides help in improving the overall quality of life of these individuals.