Anxiety
Anxiety is a non-motor symptom of PD.
It can cause constant worry, fear, or nervousness, which may impact daily life.
People may experience symptoms of anxiety and why it is important to talk to a doctor about changes in your mental health if it is impacting your life. Treatment options are available. Common symptoms of anxiety can include:
-
Constant worry
-
Difficulty concentrating
-
Feeling of dread
-
Difficulty sleeping
-
Dizziness
-
Trouble breathing
-
Increased heart rate
-
Cold, sweaty, or tingling hands
Causes of Anxiety in PD
Medication
During "off" periods (when medication is not working effectively), people with PD may experience anxiety attacks.
Psychosocial Factors:
Stressful events including a lack of social support can cause anxiety. Having to adapt to the condition and its impact on daily life can be difficult to adjust to.
Types of Anxiety
Generalized Anxiety
Generalized anxiety is when you feel worried or nervous most of the time, even if there’s no clear reason. It can make you feel tense, tired, and have trouble sleeping or focusing. These feelings can get in the way of daily life.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is when a person has sudden attacks of intense fear or panic that come out of nowhere. These panic attacks can cause a racing heart, trouble breathing, sweating, or feeling like something really bad is going to happen. It can be very scary, even if there’s no real danger.
Phobias
A phobia is a strong fear of something that usually isn’t dangerous, like heights, spiders, or flying. The fear can be so intense that a person might go out of their way to avoid the thing they’re afraid of, even if it gets in the way of daily life.