Emotional support

Emotional support is a key part of managing Parkinson’s disease (PD), and can bring many benefits to people with PD, their carers and families.

It is common for people with PD to experience depression at some point during their illness. The depression may occur as a reaction to being diagnosed with PD and, in such cases, the depression can be treated by reducing stress levels, effectively treating movement symptoms, and taking part in exercise. These straightforward measures aim to improve quality of life for the person with PD and thereby improve mood.

Cognitive behavioural therapy is another complementary method that can be used to treat the psychological symptoms of depression. This type of therapy examines a person’s thoughts and behaviour and helps to change a counterproductive negative outlook into a more positive and realistic attitude.

However, it is possible that some cases of depression are caused by PD itself lowering the levels of chemicals in the brain that control mood. If this is the case, then the depression can be treated with antidepressants, although this should always be discussed fully with a doctor as some antidepressants can be harmful for people with PD, possibly reacting badly with PD medications already taken.

Whether or not a person experiences depression, it is important that their emotional needs are looked after, as well as their physical requirements. Thankfully, there are many organisations that offer all kinds of emotional support ranging from a simple chat over the phone, to group meetings and practical help. Even if there are family and friends to offer care and support, there may be times when either the person with PD or their carer/family needs someone else to turn to – this is the purpose of these groups. There are many national and local PD organisations, and contact details for some national organisations can be found on the EPDA website (www.epda.eu.com/aboutUs/membership/membershipOrganisations.asp). Details of the local groups can be obtained from a member of the multidisciplinary team, via the national PD groups, the EPDA, or even from the telephone directory.

Aside from depression, people experiencing life with PD may feel that they need emotional help in other ways including stress management, and/or psychological support. Again, assistance is readily available from support groups and counsellors (in some countries it is obligatory for a doctor to refer a person with PD to a counsellor), or from the medical team in the form of therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy. Members of the multidisciplinary team will be able to provide advice on what help is available/appropriate for each individual.