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CBT for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Parkinson's Disease: A Case Study
Alina Elena Apostol1, Biju Mohamed1, Christopher Thomas1
1Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Parkinson's Disease Service, University Hospital Llandough, Llandough, UK.
Objectives:
To examine the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in a case of co-occurring generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and Parkinson's disease (PD).
Methods:
This case study refers to a male aged 75 years with a diagnosis of Idiopathic Parkinson's disease. It focuses on applying a CBT model to address the psychological difficulties with PD and GAD.
Results:
This case study reveals key aspects in presentation, diagnosis, and psychological treatment between PD and GAD, and is one of few studies published in this area.
Conclusions:
Symptoms of anxiety in an older adult with PD decreased during a course of CBT. The implications of the treatment outcome of this study and further considerations of treatment plans for comorbid PD and anxiety have been discussed.
Clinical Implications:
Using CBT could positively impact non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's, such as sleep difficulties and speech impediments. Using CBT for the catastrophic thinking and worry content in GAD seems to act as a complementary therapy for psychological/non-motor symptoms of PD.
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