Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyParkinsonsTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Meyerton, ZA

Is it possible to develop PD from stress and when the stress goes away, the PD symptoms disappear as well?

September 2, 2025
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members engaged with the question of whether stress can trigger or worsen Parkinson's disease symptoms, with many sharing that stress, even... Read more

Members engaged with the question of whether stress can trigger or worsen Parkinson's disease symptoms, with many sharing that stress, even positive stress like laughter, noticeably amplifies their symptoms. Several members described personal experiences ranging from tremors and falls improving during lower-stress periods to symptoms becoming three times worse when attempting to reduce medication. A recurring theme was that PD affects everyone differently, and the community offered warm encouragement to those feeling isolated or frightened while managing the condition.

MyParkinsonsTeam

No, Parkinson's disease cannot be caused by stress alone, nor will symptoms disappear when stress is reduced. PD is a progressive neurological condition caused by the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine. While stress can temporarily worsen PD symptoms, it is not the underlying cause of the condition.

However Show Full Answer

No, Parkinson's disease cannot be caused by stress alone, nor will symptoms disappear when stress is reduced. PD is a progressive neurological condition caused by the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine. While stress can temporarily worsen PD symptoms, it is not the underlying cause of the condition.

However, managing stress is still very important for people with PD, as chronic stress can:
• Make existing symptoms feel more intense
• Lead to increased fatigue
• Affect sleep quality
• Impact mental health
• Make daily tasks more challenging Working with healthcare providers to develop stress management techniques can help improve quality of life with PD. Some helpful approaches may include:
• Relaxation strategies
• Music therapy
• Exercise
• Social support
• Professional counseling when needed

Remember that while reducing stress won't cure PD, it can help make symptoms more manageable and improve overall wellbeing.

September 2, 2025
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member My body detects stress before I realize I'm experiencing it. Another words - like a canary in the coal mine, my PD symptoms are extremely sensitive to stress of any kind. The severity of my bodies response seems to be governed by where I am in my medication cycle. If I needed a stress detector my PD infected body would be a plus. But, sense I don't need a separate detector to tell me when I am encountering stress - it is just another irritating symptom of my PD.
So far the best response I've found when I encounter this situation is to think of something to make me smile. The end result is - I am on my way to becoming an expert "smiler".

September 5, 2025
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member. I did consider the improvement of the symptoms possibly wishful thinking, hence the question. However, my tremor was bad enough that people served me (half full cups) tea, even in my own home, to help me avoid spills. Now I can easily thread a needle. Where I fell 6 to 7 times a year, I haven't had a fall in over a year. Micragraphia was one of my big problems but now my handwriting is quite legible.

I decided to stop the medication to see whether the symptoms will stay away!! 🤞

September 2, 2025
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

It seems that like everything else connected to Parkinsons what works for one of us may work for some of us or none of us!!Stress certainly is a factor to be dealt with.
🌈Thea

September 3, 2025
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

@lanyenglbrecht
I tried to wean off my meds with the assistance of my neurologist thinking just like you(will my symptoms go away) but I became miserable and the symptoms seemed to be at least 3 times worse in two weeks time . Just be careful

September 3, 2025

Related Questions

View All
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Wilmington, NC