Anxiety in Parkinson’s - what do we know, what can we learn from research, and practical tips for dealing with the problem.

Welcome to part 1 of our special two part podcast to mark World Mental Health Day 2023 on 10th October. Julie Jones and Neil Morrison from NoSPRIG will be joined by Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist Dr Jennifer Foley and mental health specialist Parkinson’s Nurse Emma Edwards  

In episode 1, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at anxiety, one of the most common mental health issues facing people with Parkinson’s. 

Dr Jennifer Foley is a senior clinical neuropsychologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and Honorary Lecturer at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology in London. She has a specific interest in patients with movement disorders.  She is lead of the Parkinson’s UK Excellence Network for Mental Health and is involved in research trials of new treatments for the cognitive and emotional symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Emma Edwards is a mental health nurse by background but has worked in various roles in Psychiatry, before joining and the Cornwall Parkinson’s nurse team in 2010. She moved to Plymouth to work as a PD nurse in 2019. Her special interest in Parkinson’s is improving all things mental health for her patients. Emma is currently seconded to the Suicide prevention training team, to improve her knowledge in this area, which she feels is very much underserved in Parkinson’s research in the UK.

 

Get support for your mental health:

People with Parkinson's tell us that they feel their mental health issues can make their physical symptoms of Parkinson's feel worse, and recent research has proven this. That's why it's important to talk to your GP, specialist or Parkinson's nurse about all of your Parkinson's symptoms, whether physical or mental. 

As discussed in the pod, talking to others about anxiety, depression or your mental health has been shown to be beneficial.  You can also speak to people on Parkinsons UK online forum or via Parkinson’s UK local support groups across the country, including groups specifically for people of working age. Local groups are a great way to meet other people with Parkinson's in your area, find out more about the condition and get support in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Parkinson's UK also have a helpline which is a free confidential service providing support to anyone affected by Parkinson's. You can reach the Helpline on 0808 800 0303.

Our trained advisers, including specialist Parkinson's nurses, can provide information and advice about all aspects of living with Parkinson's.

You can also contact:

• the Mind Infoline on 0300 123 3393 for more information on mental health issues, which is open 9am to 6pm, from Monday to Friday.
• Samaritans on 116 123 at any time for free. 

 Taking part in research was mentioned within the podcast.  search for research opportunities on Take Part Hub

Two- current studies are investigating the treatment of Parkinson’s hallucinations or delusions:

• CAN-PDP: Cannabidiol (CBD) for people with Parkinson's who experience hallucinations or delusions
• TOP HAT: TOP HAT: Trial of a licensed drug as a treatment for hallucinations

Mental health and Parkinson’s

Find out more about mental health and Parkinson’s.