“For me personally, retaining my sense of humor is vital. It is so important to see the funny side of life. It is so easy to slip into a depressive state, especially when the tremors get bad and one goes ‘off.’ Seek out people who make you laugh. After all, life is not a rehearsal—what we have is IT, so make the best of it.”
—DREW S., PWP
Many of my readers have asked whether depression is a symptom or a side effect of Parkinson’s. The simple answer is both. It’s not unusual for someone to feel sad and possibly get depressed after being diagnosed with a chronic illness like PD. It’s also important to know that depression is a clinical symptom of the disease as well. In fact, up to 50 percent of people with Parkinson’s may suffer from some form of depression during the course of their disease.35 This is significant because the nonmotor symptoms of PD, such as depression, can be just as debilitating, if not more so, than the motor symptoms of the disease.
It is important to note that depression can start long before any physical symptoms show up. This is due to the loss of dopamine in the brain. Depression can also increase the physical effects of PD and possibly cause a progression of the disease.
If you experience five or more of the following symptoms for longer than two weeks at a time, you should contact your doctor.
• Depressed mood
• An inability to find pleasure in things that were once pleasurable
• Sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sleeping excessively)
• Change in appetite
• Fatigue
• Altered level of activity
• Difficulty with concentration
• Low self-esteem
• Thoughts of death
Fortunately, for most people with Parkinson’s, depression can be controlled. Treatment for depression typically yields the best results when patients receive both psychological therapy and the proper medication for their symptoms. Psychological therapy can help people with Parkinson’s regain their sense of self-worth, cope with stress, and maintain positive relationships with the people around them, including caregivers and family members.
There are many antidepressant medications available, each with advantages and disadvantages. Most people with Parkinson’s should not take Asendin (amoxapine) because this medication can cause very high blood pressure.36 Your doctor will know which medications are best for you.
Make sure you check with your pharmacist before taking any new medications (e.g., antidepressants) because some may not be compatible with your PD medications.