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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Wilmington, NC

I finally snapped at my husband for something minor the other day. He thinks I have become more irritable lately. When I told him this was one of the possible signs/symptoms of PD, he as much as said 'Don't try to blame it all on PD.' I wisely walked away. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

February 20, 2019
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Answer Summary

Members connected warmly over the question of PD-related irritability, with many confirming that mood changes, emotional outbursts, and short... Read more

Members connected warmly over the question of PD-related irritability, with many confirming that mood changes, emotional outbursts, and short tempers are real and recognized symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Several members shared practical strategies like finding and sharing written resources about PD symptoms with loved ones, taking CBD oil to reduce anxiety and irritability, and getting medications adjusted to help with mood. A recurring theme was the emotional weight of feeling misunderstood by family members, with many encouraging each other to keep advocating for themselves and to give grace to both themselves and their caregivers.

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Sheer frustration is sometimes the trigger for my own irritability. In addition reaction to meds have been some of the sources...there are all kinds of events or combinations thereof.

Day to day, keep myself active physically and mentally. I have found that the more productive I can be, the less time there is available for temper outbursts. PD is part of the equation now. So is advanced age, hairstyles and raucous music (and fortunately, a lot of pleasant music, too!). Bad temper outbursts isn't going to change all these things - neither is good temper going to do that,

Why not try this? It's simple but not easy: bad temper makes the person afflicted with it miserable. I can't imagine LIKING to feel that way, so I work at finding things that make me feel good. Very frequently it makes others feel good also.

This isn't some magic formula, and it takes effort. It won't even work all the time, but bad temper NEVER works unless one enjoys being miserable.

February 21, 2019
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Anxiety was terrible before I was diagnosed. I was a bear to live with ! Also had depression, I take a low dose of celexa and once I started on the sinemet after time things eased up. I still have that anxiety and irritability which is brought on by stress. At least now I have a better understanding of what is going on. I made sure my husband got educated as to the PD and that helped!! God Bless !

February 24, 2019
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Melody--thanks for a snapshot of what it's like to be a caregiver. I know it's hard on both sides of the equation.

Mary/2/21/2019

February 21, 2019
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member & @A MyParkinsonsTeam Member - I have had a lot of luck with sinemet & azilect. But what helped the most with walking was to just retrain the neural pathways & practice. A good physical or occupational therapist can help you Lots with this!

March 3, 2019
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Anti depressants do not make me feel fatigued! In fact just the opposite. Being depressed to me is exhausting!!

March 1, 2019

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