Anxiety frequently accompanies Parkinson’s disease, which impacts a proportion of those diagnosed. While treatments exist for the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s, anxiety management can often be overlooked. Recent research suggests that deep brain stimulation (DBS), already used for motor symptoms, may also hold promise for alleviating anxiety in Parkinson’s patients.
Understanding Anxiety in Parkinson’s
Anxiety in Parkinson’s isn’t simply a reaction to the diagnosis but is considered part of the disease itself, stemming from changes in brain chemistry. It can manifest before or long after diagnosis and may occur with or without depression. Symptoms include worry, fear, breathlessness, dizziness, sweating, a racing heart, trembling, nausea, and muscle tension.
Common anxiety triggers include fears about independence and potential embarrassment in public, especially during “off” periods when medication isn’t working effectively. Biological factors also play a role, including abnormal levels of the brain chemical GABA.
Treatment Options
Traditional treatments for anxiety in Parkinson’s encompass talking therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and counselling, group therapy, and medications like SSRI antidepressants. Lifestyle adjustments such as regular exercise, relaxation techniques, a balanced diet, and reducing caffeine and alcohol intake can also help manage symptoms. Mindfulness meditation and exercise have also been proven to help.
Deep Brain Stimulation and Brain Waves
New research has identified a link between specific brain waves and anxiety levels in Parkinson’s patients. A study led by Dr. Lucia Ricciardi and Dr. Simon Little involved implanting electrodes into the brains of Parkinson’s patients undergoing DBS surgery.
The study found that higher levels of theta power brain waves correlated with more severe anxiety. This discovery opens the door to refining DBS techniques to target these brain waves and reduce anxiety.
Dr. Ricciardi stated that their results offer hope, as anxiety is a major unmet therapeutic need in Parkinson’s disease.
One study participant, Jonathan Lovett, said that anxiety was one of the early markers of his condition. He believes technological advancements in controlling devices that work on brain behaviour could be life-changing.
It’s important to note that over half of non-depressed Parkinson’s patients with clinically significant anxiety go untreated with medication. Recognising the clinical features associated with anxiety, such as depression and motor fluctuations, may improve the recognition and treatment of anxiety disorders in this population. While there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, treatments are available to help relieve symptoms and maintain quality of life.