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Depression Author: Staff Editor Last Updated: Sep 7, 2017 - 10:06:33 PM



Dealing with Depression and Parkinson’s Disease

By Staff Editor
Sep 19, 2014 - 9:30:17 AM



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(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Robin Williams wasn't the only person diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who also was fighting depression. Some 35 percent of Parkinson's disease patients experience depression, particularly upon diagnosis. Some people, like Williams, struggle with depression for years and eventually are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.  

"Parkinson's can be diagnosed first and then the patient may get depressed, or they can struggle with depression for a time, and then develop Parkinson's disease," said Dr. Richard Dewey, Professor of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

"We think the degenerative nature of Parkinson's affects levels of serotonin and dopamine, both critical agents in the nerve/muscle reaction, as well as impacting a person's moods."

The good news is Parkinson's patients who experience depression typically respond well to antidepressant medications and are very rarely suicidal, according to Dr. Preston Wiles, Professor of Psychiatry at UT Southwestern.

However, he cautions that relatives and caregivers should be aware of the Parkinson's/depression link, be on the lookout for signs of depression, and encourage the patient to talk with their neurologist about their emotions, as well as their physical symptoms.

Signs of depression include:

·         Persistent sadness, anxiety, or feelings of emptiness

·         Feeling hopeless, helpless, and worthless

·         Loss of interest in typical activities

·         Difficulty concentrating

·         Feeling restless, irritable

·         Changes in sleep, energy, and appetit

·         Increased use of drugs or alcohol

·         Talking about death or suicide

"Men are particularly problematic, as they are less likely to show the typical signs of depression, such as sadness, crying, or loss of interest, and instead show their depression as emotional suppression, social withdrawal, aggression or irritability, and perhaps increased usage of alcohol or drugs," said Dr. Wiles.

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