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Anxiety and Parkinson's disease
I H Richard1, R B Schiffer, R Kurlan
1Department of Neurology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY 14642, USA.
The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Anxiety disorders affect up to 40% of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, potentially stemming from neurobiology, not just psychology. Research is needed to understand anxiety's link to PD and guide effective treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Movement Disorders
Background:
- Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, panic, and social phobia, affect up to 40% of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients.
- This prevalence is significantly higher than in general populations or patients with other diseases.
- Evidence suggests anxiety in PD may be linked to neurobiological changes associated with the disease, rather than solely a psychological response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of anxiety in Parkinson's disease.
- To discuss the potential neurobiological underpinnings of anxiety in PD.
- To examine available information on the pharmacologic treatment of anxiety in PD patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on anxiety in Parkinson's disease.
- Analysis of the comorbidity of anxiety and depression in PD.
- Examination of existing data on anxiolytic use in PD patients.
Main Results:
- Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in Parkinson's disease patients.
- Anxiety in PD often co-occurs with depression.
- Optimal pharmacologic treatments for anxiety in PD are not yet established.
Conclusions:
- Anxiety in Parkinson's disease is likely associated with underlying neurobiology.
- Further research into the anxiety-PD relationship could elucidate the neurobiology of anxiety itself.
- Understanding the neurobiological basis of anxiety in PD is crucial for developing effective treatments.