Parkinson disease (PD) has received a lot of attention lately, showing up more and more frequently in news stories and popular culture. And with good reason! This serious condition has a profound effect on the everyday lives and general attitudes of innumerable people worldwide. The physical restrictions PD places on you can make even easy chores challenging.
Beyond the obvious physical difficulties, lifestyle changes brought on by this disease contribute to the occurrence of depression in many people as well. In today’s article, we will examine how Parkinson’s and depression are related. We’ll also touch upon a number of therapeutic approaches for Parkinson disease that can help manage depression.
Defining Parkinson's
The US National Institute on Aging defines Parkinson’s disease as a brain condition resulting in unintentional or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and problems with balance and coordination.
Usually starting gradually and getting worse over time, symptoms impair a person’s capacity to walk and talk. As the illness advances, mental and behavioral abnormalities, sleep disturbances, depression, memory issues, and exhaustion can also occur.
Who’s most at risk?
Though statistics indicate that men are more prone to get Parkinson disease than women, the condition can strike anyone. The reason for this gender gap is still unknown to researchers. However, age is unquestionably a major risk factor, as most occurrences affect those over 60. Similarly, although Parkinson’s disease isn’t usually hereditary, particular genetic mutations are frequently associated with early-onset cases.
The connection between Parkinson’s disease and depression
The Parkinson’s Foundation noted that at least 50% of those with Parkinson’s symptoms will also experience depression. In Parkinson’s patients, depression often goes beyond simple sadness. It’s a persistent condition likely brought on by PD-related alterations in brain chemistry. Parkinson disease affects brain regions that make serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine—chemicals that control mood, energy, and sleep.
Though addressing depression in Parkinson’s patients can greatly enhance their quality of life, it too often remains unrecognized. Depression can manifest itself at any time, even before a diagnosis, and if ignored, it can exacerbate physical and cognitive problems. This is why depression must be managed in conjunction with PD.
Therapeutic methods for depression in Parkinson’s disease patients
Treating depression in Parkinson’s patients requires an approach tailored to the individual’s needs. We Level Up Treatment Centers, a popular network of mental health and addiction treatment facilities in the US, endorses this strategy and provides each patient with individualized care. To decide the best course of treatment, which frequently involves several approaches, they always have a qualified expert evaluate the patient. Exploring the most often used therapies that doctors prescribe to aid the depressive symptoms that come with Parkinson’s can help us understand the best options available.
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) goals include treating emotional problems and improving relationships. Through an analysis of emotions and interactions within significant relationships, IPT supports those battling Parkinson’s and depression. Because Parkinson disease severely affects quality of life, interpersonal psychotherapy helps patients overcome their particular difficulties by offering practical techniques to manage emotions.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT has shown promise in treating depression in those with Parkinson’s. Unlike conventional counseling, CBT aims to alter the cognitive and behavioral patterns that lead to depression. Using this treatment, Parkinson’s patients are able to recognize and swap out negative thoughts and behaviors for more positive ones.
The important thing about CBT is that therapy acknowledges the particular difficulties Parkinson’s patients have, such as managing medication side effects and getting used to the physical restrictions of their illness.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
For severe depression unresponsive to previous treatments, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a well-known course of treatment. Even if ECT has been portrayed in movies and other media as scary, it is now thought to be safe and efficient. Remarkably, it may also momentarily improve Parkinson disease motor symptoms. However, ECT has disadvantages as well; it requires time and general anesthesia, and there may be side effects, including confusion or memory loss. These reasons make ECT typically regarded as a last option.
Medication-assisted therapy (MAT)
Using medication is a normal part of Parkinson’s disease depression treatment. These medications help adjust the brain chemicals that affect mood. Antidepressants that are often recommended include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The way these drugs regulate serotonin and other neurotransmitters helps to reduce depressive symptoms.
Doctors choose which drugs to prescribe based on the needs of each patient and keep a careful eye on their efficacy and side effects. Finding the best treatment often requires modifications over time. Of course, a thorough treatment approach may include therapy and lifestyle adjustments in addition to medication.
Effective dual treatment for Parkinson's and depression is crucial
About half of Parkinson’s patients also suffer from depression, which is why treating both conditions at the same time is crucial. Through simultaneous treatment of both disorders and the addition of the best depression therapies for Parkinson’s disease patients, medical professionals can assist patients in controlling their symptoms and enhancing their quality of life without viewing their illness as a punishment. By enabling patients to deal with new situations and challenges free from the weight of ongoing symptoms of depression, this integrated approach helps individuals view their illness in a less negative light.
Lauren Barry is the National Director of Quality Assurance at We Level Up, a network of addiction and mental health disorders treatment centers. She is also a licensed marriage and family therapist and an EMDR-approved therapist. Lauren uses her experience to encourage people to seek treatment for all types of mental health issues and improve their lives.
