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Parkinson’s disease and anxiety

Read our guide below about Parkinson’s disease and anxiety.

You can also download a PDF version of this patient information by following the link on the right.

Is anxiety a symptom of Parkinson’s?

When facing a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, it’s common to experience a wide range of emotions such as anxiety or depression. But feelings of anxiety can also be a clinical symptom of Parkinson’s disease, just like rigidity or a tremor. With the right support and treatment, you can manage the symptoms effectively.

What are the common symptoms of anxiety?

These include:

  • feelings of unease, such as worry or fear
  • feeling breathless or dizzy
  • sweating
  • racing or pounding heart
  • trembling
  • nausea and stomach cramps
  • dry mouth
  • muscle tension
  • restlessness.

You may also have more:

  • movement symptoms
  • gait difficulties
  • freezing episodes when walking
  • dyskinesia – involuntary movements more common in advanced Parkinson’s.

What causes anxiety for someone with Parkinson’s?

Anxiety is a natural reaction to situations which we find threatening or difficult. Having concerns about living with a long term condition may cause anxiety.

Changes in your brain chemicals that are responsible for controlling and regulating mood may cause anxiety. Some people with Parkinson’s have anxiety when their medication wears off and find that their symptoms improve when they take their medication.

Symptoms of anxiety can happen before medication wears off, meaning that symptoms can fluctuate in an on/off pattern.

What treatment options are available?

Treating anxiety is an important part of living well with Parkinson’s disease, and is just as important as treating movement symptoms.

When anxiety is treated effectively, people with Parkinson’s feel better, move better and live better. If you or a loved one with Parkinson’s experiences anxiety, talk to your doctor.

Options for treating anxiety include:

  • individual talking therapy including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or counselling sessions
  • group therapy, such as our Parkinson’s and Anxiety group at Rayners Hedge and Amersham Hospital
  • medication, such as SSRI antidepressants.

How can I manage my anxiety symptoms?

You should do regular exercise such as walking, swimming and yoga. Try relaxation techniques or meditation such as mindfulness.

Try to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Avoid drinking too much caffeine and alcohol as these can make the physical symptoms worse.

Keep a diary of your mood, your medications and your Parkinson’s symptoms.

Talk to your family, friends or care staff about how you feel. This may help to reduce anxiety and help others to understand how you’re feeling.

Useful websites and resources

National organisations for further help and support include:

Call Parkinson’s UK Local Advisors on 0808 800 0303

How can I help reduce healthcare associated infections?

Infection prevention and control is important to the wellbeing of our patients so we have procedures in place. Keeping your hands clean is an effective way of preventing the spread of infections.

You, and anyone visiting you, must use the hand sanitiser available at the entrance to every ward before coming in and after you leave. You may need to wash your hands at the sink using soap and water. Hand sanitisers are not suitable for dealing with patients who have symptoms of diarrhoea.

More help or advice

Contact our patient advice and liaison service (PALS) on 01296 316042 or bht.pals@nhs.net

 

About our patient information

This patient advice is intended as general information only. We aim to make the information as up to date and accurate as possible, but please note that it’s subject to change.

Always check specific advice on any concerns you may have with your doctor.