Parkinson's Disease Support Group
Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder often characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement, and in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement. The primary symptoms of Parkinsons are due to excessive muscle contraction, normally caused by the insufficient formation and action of dopamine, which is produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the...
Resources on Depression and PD: PDF Response to News of Robin Williams' Diagnosis with Disease
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF) has recently learned from a statement released by Robin Williams' widow, Susan Schneider, that the well known actor was in the early stages of Parkinson's disease. This news raised many questions in the community and amongst the media concerning the effects of a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and symptoms such as depression.
While depression and anxiety are quite common in Parkinsons disease more than half of people with Parkinsons will experience one or the other during their lifetime they can often be successfully managed with medications under the supervision of a doctor who specializes in PD.
Anyone who has questions about this, or needs assistance in finding a doctor specializing in Parkinson's disease, is invited to call the National HelpLine of the Parkinsons Disease Foundation at (800) 457 6676 or email us at info@pdf.org. Please also browse the facts and resources weve gathered below on depression and anxiety in PD.
Contact the HelpLine
Pic Facts about Depression, Anxiety and PD
PDF estimates that up to 60 percent of people with Parkinsons experience mild or moderate symptoms of depression at some point in the disease.
Thirty percent of people with Parkinson's disease are diagnosed with depression before ever receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
There is not yet one answer on what causes depression, but it is likely a combination of the stress of living with a chronic disease and changes in the brain that accompany Parkinson's disease.
There are strategies available for treating depression, including but not limited to, medications. It is important to address depression early, as it affects quality of life.
Parkinson's disease is very variable from person to person. Each individual will have a unique experience and journey with the disease and its symptoms.
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF) has recently learned from a statement released by Robin Williams' widow, Susan Schneider, that the well known actor was in the early stages of Parkinson's disease. This news raised many questions in the community and amongst the media concerning the effects of a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and symptoms such as depression.
While depression and anxiety are quite common in Parkinsons disease more than half of people with Parkinsons will experience one or the other during their lifetime they can often be successfully managed with medications under the supervision of a doctor who specializes in PD.
Anyone who has questions about this, or needs assistance in finding a doctor specializing in Parkinson's disease, is invited to call the National HelpLine of the Parkinsons Disease Foundation at (800) 457 6676 or email us at info@pdf.org. Please also browse the facts and resources weve gathered below on depression and anxiety in PD.
Contact the HelpLine
Pic Facts about Depression, Anxiety and PD
PDF estimates that up to 60 percent of people with Parkinsons experience mild or moderate symptoms of depression at some point in the disease.
Thirty percent of people with Parkinson's disease are diagnosed with depression before ever receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
There is not yet one answer on what causes depression, but it is likely a combination of the stress of living with a chronic disease and changes in the brain that accompany Parkinson's disease.
There are strategies available for treating depression, including but not limited to, medications. It is important to address depression early, as it affects quality of life.
Parkinson's disease is very variable from person to person. Each individual will have a unique experience and journey with the disease and its symptoms.
I couldn't agreed more. Treatment of depression is almost as important as the treatment of PD. It took a near breakdown to happen before I was willing to acknowledge the fact that I needed "help." I took an antidepressant and consulted a professional for several months while I was working my way through acceptance of PD and the fact that my life was changing and there was nothing I could do to stop it.
I was able to quit taking the antidepressant, but I would not hesitate to take it again if I thought it was needed. There is no shame in asking for help if you need it.
Madge
It made sense to me at the time and I excepted it. However I learned over time that it was all this added stress that brought my underling PD symptoms to the forefront .
After finally seeing a MDS because no one could figure out why I had tremors, shuffling gate, cognitive issues ect, he said these were all the classic symptoms and that my doctors should have picked right up on that. He told me point blank that I had Early Onset PD and he was starting me on med's to help.
Then to put the icing on the cake... 4 months after my dx I was hospitalized with a heart attack and was told I have chronic heart disease. So I know all to well what depression, stress and anxiety can do to you. There were a few time's that I thought about just ending it all, but I could never do that to my wife who needs me and loves me unconditionally as I do her.
We have been to hell and back together and it only made our love stronger. If it weren't for her, I could have very easily fallen victim as Robin Williams did. In my case I realized I needed to reach out for help. I only wish he had as well.
Vic
I would like to read your post to my husband, with your permission of course. He is working his way through a diagnosis of CHF and an ICD implant and is not willing to admit that he might need some outside perspective. I believe he feels ashamed of his weakness. Your experience might help him to understand that the way he is feeling is quite normal and there is nothing wrong with seeking help.
Congratulations to you and your bride in working through these roadblocks and finding happiness and contentment on the other side. I hope we can do the same. As always, you are rock-steady.
Madge
I would be honored if this can help your husband or anyone else for that matter. No shame in reaching out when it feels like your world is crumbling down around you. It made me realize that it's not just me that I had to think about.
Thank you for the kind words and I'm here anytime you need.
Vic
Am grateful for the good luck in finding you guys, too! I know you are always around with positive feedback and encouragement. Just knowing I am not alone is worth the world to me.
We may not meet in this life, but I can guaran-darn-tee ya I will be watching for you in the next one. I'll be the one in the back with the big hat with the big sunflower on the brim!
Love ya,
Madge
Madge