Depression frequently occurs with people who have chronic illnesses like Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The Parkinson’s Foundation reports that mood, depression, and anxiety have an even greater impact on health status than the motor impairments commonly associated with the disease.1 Fortunately, with proper mental healthcare, medical treatment, and a system of support, people can learn to manage and cope with Parkinson’s depression.
The Connection Between Parkinson’s & Depression
Depression is closely connected to many medical diagnoses and can directly impact your quality of life and ability to function. Researchers found this to be true with Parkinson’s Disease, reporting that depression occurs in this population with a prevalence of 30%-40%.2 Additionally, if depression is left untreated, there is an increased risk for greater disability and reduced quality of life.2
Many times when people have a serious progressive medical illness, the attention is given to the physical symptoms. Parkinson’s patients naturally monitor their mobility and movement above all else. This can be true of their doctors as well, and the patient’s emotional reaction can be overlooked.
Another complicating factor in diagnosing depression alongside a serious medical condition is that the symptoms can overlap, making it difficult to differentiate between the two. Depression can intensify the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.1
Risk Factors for Parkinson’s Depression
Some research has found that the prevalence of depression in relation to PD is biphasic, with a peak early in the illness and another gradual increase as the illness reaches its latter stages. Depression also appears to be more common in people with rapidly progressive Parkinson’s, and may be a precursor to the onset.4,5
Additional risk factors for Parkinson’s depression include:3
- Age
- Sex (women are statistically more at risk for depression)
- History of anxiety or depression before PD diagnosis
- Severity of motor symptoms
- Disease duration
- Disease stage
- Extent of limitations to activities and daily living
- Non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbance, anxiety, hallucinations, and memory issues
5 Ways to Cope With Parkinson’s & Depression
To cope with Parkinson’s and depression, arm yourself with knowledge, create short and long term goals, and build and rely upon your support system of loved ones, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Don’t feel shame or embarrassment for needing help; remember that depression is a common reaction to Parkinson’s Disease.
Here are five ways to cope with Parkinson’s and depression:
1. Learn All You Can About Parkinson’s Disease
Educating yourself will help you understand what to expect when it comes to Parkinson’s and depression. It will also help you anticipate and prepare for future changes, and make realistic expectations and goals for yourself.
2. Create Short-Term Goals Based On Realistic Expectations
Create manageable goals and celebrate when those goals are achieved. Don’t berate yourself if you are unable to do something on a particular day. Set a new goal for tomorrow and keep moving forward.
3. Maintain Social Connections & Relationships
Make time to spend with your close family and trusted friends. These connections are more important than ever. They’re particularly useful for reducing feelings of isolation, which can contribute to depression.
4. Connect With People Who Have Also Been Diagnosed
Connecting with other people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s can help you feel less alone and more understood. It can also reaffirm your feelings regarding your illness. They may even be able to offer tips and resources that you can use to promote your own well-being.
5. Openly Discuss Your Fears & Feelings
Identify a trusted loved one, caregiver, friend, or healthcare professional to speak with about your fears for the future and other more difficult feelings. Talking can offer emotional relief, and expression is a good tool to combat depression.
Treatment for Parkinson’s Depression
The treatment of depression for patients with Parkinson’s should begin with an assessment of your emotional status. Parkinson’s disease changes brain function and chemistry, causing an imbalance that can lead to mood disorders like depression. After the initial assessment, there are other treatments available.
Antidepressant Medication
Medication for depression has been found to be both safe and well tolerated. Efficacy has been demonstrated for nortriptyline, venlafaxine extended release, desipramine, citalopram, and paroxetine.6 Ask your physician or psychiatrist about the interaction between antidepressants and medication for Parkinson’s Disease.
Psychotherapy
Therapy for depression can be especially effective if doctors determine that medication management may not be appropriate. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used, which focuses on changing negative thoughts. It helps you create a more positive mental framework, teaches coping skills, and enhances self-awareness.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
ECT is a brief electrical stimulation used to produce a generalized seizure while the patient is under general anesthesia. Some people have difficulty tolerating certain side effects, especially if they already have muscle aches or problems processing information or memory. However, it can be effective for people with severe depression.7
Holistic or Mindfulness Techniques
These include techniques in yoga, meditation, relaxation, and other forms of exercise. They offer a way to increase control over your body and mind. Consult your physician about what is recommended and safe for you.
How to Get Help for Depression While Dealing With Parkinson’s Disease
Inform the doctor treating your Parkinson’s and a general practitioner that you’re experiencing depression and ask for a referral to a mental health professional. One simple way to find a mental health professional in your area is to use an online therapist directory where you can search based on specialty, price, experience, language, and more. Therapist profiles show open appointments and enable you to immediately schedule an appointment.
Counseling can help patients navigate and understand their depression. Family therapy and group counseling may also be beneficial to combat depressive emotions that grow with time within a family unit. Ideally, seek out a counselor who has expertise or special knowledge of working with people with chronic illnesses that can alter cognitive function, body function, and lifestyle.
What Caregivers Can Do to Help
In their effort to provide care and support, caregivers should try to be positive and realistic. They may be called upon to offer ongoing physical help and emotional support, which can be challenging, especially for extended periods of time. Sometimes, caregiving can lead to burnout, so if possible, be sure you have enough support that you can take breaks when necessary.
Here are seven tips for caregivers to help your loved one dealing with Parkinson’s and depression:
1. Be Realistic
In terms of the help you can offer, it’s important to be realistic. For example, if ongoing physical help becomes problematic, give yourself permission to ask for help. It is in the best interest of you and your loved one to have someone with the skills and abilities necessary.
2. Remember Your Attitude Impacts Your Loved One’s Resolve
Try to maintain a delicate balance between optimism and realism. Encourage your loved one to create goals, and help them celebrate when those goals are met. Be supportive when they struggle and keep a positive attitude whenever possible.
3. Practice Good Communication
Listen without imposing any judgement, and try to encourage candid discussions about how Parkinson’s and depression are impacting your loved one’s relationships and lifestyle.
4. Nurture Yourself
Make time to relax, reenergize, and experience comfort on a regular basis. Pick the things you enjoy doing like taking a walk, reading a book, or cooking a nice meal and incorporate them into your life on a regular basis.
5. Identify a Trusted Person to Talk With
It’s important to have someone you can trust to talk with about your loved one’s medical and mental health struggles. It may be a friend, family member, healthcare professional, or spiritual/religious guide.
6. Seek Individual Support
You may benefit from attending in-person or online support groups offered for family members and caregivers of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. This can be a good source of comfort, information, education, and resources.
7. Assume an Advocacy Role
Sometimes patients may not be fully aware of their own depression, or they may be in denial. If this is the case, you can reach out to healthcare practitioners on their behalf. Essentially, advocacy requires your trusted and undivided support of their well-being in public and in private.
Final Thoughts
Your experience with Parkinson’s and depression is unique to you, but you are not alone. There are universal feelings associated with this life-altering diagnosis, and while there may be moments of struggle, isolation, loss of control, and uncertainty, there also can be shared humanity, strengthening of relationships, intimacy, and achievement. If you don’t know where to start, reaching out to a loved one, trusted individual, support group, or healthcare professional can be your first step toward feeling a sense of relief.
