Parkinsons Disease and Depression

Parkinsons disease is a chronic, progressive disorder affecting the brain, motor system, an individual�s thinking and emotion. It is a result of a loss in brain cells which produce the chemical messenger Dopamine, dopamine's role in Parkinsons disease is to control an individual�s movement. The main symptoms of the disease include tremor and trembling of the hands, arms legs, face and stiffness in the limbs and trunk. The individual usually has slow movement and postural instability. Their balance and coordination also becomes impaired. Sufferers usually experience difficulties with walking, speaking and carrying out their every day tasks. The early symptoms are subtle and appear gradually.

The disease affects more than half a million Americans. Those suffering from the disease are also at greater risk of suffering from depression. Treating the depression assists in helping people manage with their disease and significantly improves their quality of life. Detecting depression in a person suffering from Parkinsons disease can be difficult due to the lack of a standard assessment tool. Depression is estimated to be quite common as over half the people suffering from the disease also suffer from depression.

Unfortunately, depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated. This is often due to family, friends and health professional misinterpreting the warning signs of depression and mistaking them for symptoms of Parkinsons disease. Men are more likely to develop the disease and are more likely to have difficulties in acknowledging and accepting that they have depression. The symptoms of depression are very similar and can overlap with those of the actual disease.

An experienced health professional should recognise the symptoms in their true sense and provide the appropriate treatment. Depression affects the individual�s thought, feeling and ability to function in their every day life. It can occur at any age and although there are therapies available, less than half the people receive the help they require. Depression is a result of abnormal functioning of the brain. Research is still trying to establish what causes it. A person�s level of risk is determined between the generic predisposition and life history. Depression can be triggered by stress, difficult events in an individual�s life, medication side effects and other environmental factors. A person�s energy is limited is limited whilst suffering from depression especially when they are attempting to stay focused on treatment for other disorders such as Parkinsons Disease.

Depression between those who have and don�t have the Disease have differing symptoms. Those suffering from Parkinsons disease have an increase rate of anxiety, sadness, self blame and guild. The suicide rates are lower even though the thoughts of suicide are higher. It has been found that hormonal imbalances such as hypogonadism and hypothyroidism can cause the symptoms of depression.