
Insight PD
Insight PD provides monthly bitesize Parkinson’s related information, our UHP colleagues may find useful.
We aim to change the topic monthly, feel free to access past topics below.
This months Insight PD topic
Image by @JonnyAcheson2019
Anxiety and Parkinson’s
Up to 40% of people with Parkinson's experience clinically significant anxiety. This anxiety can be a factor of the psychological reaction to the stress of the illness or related to the neurochemical changes of the disease itself, or a combination of both.
Walsh K, Bennett G, Parkinson's disease and anxiety, Postgraduate Medical Journal 2001;77:89-93
Types of Anxiety
- Generalised anxiety disorder.
- Panic attacks
- Phobia
- Social anxiety disorder / social phobia
Any of these can overlap and many people will experience more than one type of anxiety.
Treating anxiety
Learn how to relax and recognise anxiety raising triggers - relaxation techniques can be very effective in relieving anxiety.
Regular exercise can all help to control anxiety.
Reducing intake of alcohol and caffeine, particularly late in the evening.
Anxiety related to motor fluctuations may be best managed by adjusting Parkinson’s medications.
Talking with close friends or family will often help reduce feelings of anxiety, or talking therapies such as
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) has been shown to offer effective psychological treatment for anxiety disorders.
Hospital admissions and anxiety
Going into hospital can be an anxious time and for people with Parkinson’s.
- Medications on Time will help reduce anxiety caused by ‘wearing off’ or worry of ‘wearing off’.
- Environmental factors such as being in an acute hospital setting will enhance anxiety, this can exacerbate other Parkinson’s symptoms such as tremor.
- Infections can trigger irrational fears associated with anxiety.
Parkinson’s UK (2023), Parkinson’s Europe (2023)
Anxiety Support
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Devon
Cornwall
Plymouth
Insight PD Tremor.pdf [pdf] 221KB | |
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