Ask the MD: Depression and Anxiety in Parkinson's Disease

Depression and anxiety are common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Rachel Dolhun, MD, movement disorder specialist and vice president of medical communications at The Michael J. Fox Foundation, discusses mood changes in Parkinson’s and how you can manage these symptoms.

Visit the "Ask the MD" webpage to read blogs and watch videos on Parkinson's and related topics, including the latest research and therapeutic development updates.

The "Ask the MD" series is meant to be an educational resource for people with Parkinson's and their loved ones. Please consult with your personal health care provider regarding any specific medical questions.


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[TaraCrowl]

This is a good high level video. The information is not out-dated as there are simply more options today. You don't need to start with something "more sophisticated." This is a 4-min video and the options for treating anxiety depend greatly on the type of anxiety, and in many cases the best treatment for anxiety is counseling NOT medication. Good grief, people are so negative these days. Thank you for the video! This is one I can forward on to my family member with PD.

[liiastrosnider]

Thank you for the useful video. I want to share my result. my son had depression amid numerous stresses, we went to the clinic, he was lying, prescribed antidepressants, but unfortunately day by day he was getting worse, he was prescribed other antidepressants, he was worse, walked like a zombie, it was painful to look like a smart guy, handsome and suddenly it turns into something. I was advised to give him cellular nutrition and after a month he recovered! About a year has passed and everything is in order, the depression has not returned. Cellular nutrition is a great thing !!!

[android-udnf]

Do not under estimate the anxiety and depression aspect that comes with Parkinson’s. It was almost a day and night difference when it hit my aunt. Also the symptoms usually show up decades before the shaking, it’s just hard to early diagnose so research and pay attention to symptoms like loss of taste and smell. My aunt hasn’t been able to taste or smell for 20+ years and no doctor ever thought it might be Parkinson’s.

[eastcoastnews]

I’m in Central Florida and I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s however the medical establishment it’s not taking this seriously and I need help to take me through this and Humana has not been much help if anybody’s out there with any suggestions please help me

[daveoatway]

I have question and a comment.

What is the effectiveness of counselling in a PD patient with cognitive decline. My wife has had PD for 12 years and while still mentally functioning forgets what she had for lunch.

Regarding SSRIs - we had to take her off of Lexapro due to interaction with Nuplizid she is taking for hallucinations. She still takes Ativan when needed.

Good video and content. Thank you.

[cather]

As someone with PD with depression and anxiety, your "recommended" meds are outdated. More sophisticated anti-depressants than Prozac are being used today, such as Cymbalta. Furthermore, are benzodiazepines the only anti-anxiety med for PD anxiety you can "recommend"? This video does not compel me to trust you, because your data is outdated. Please update your research! Thank you.