It's wonderful that you're so attentive to your wife's experience — that kind of support means a lot. The sudden, overwhelming anxiety she feels isn't "just in her head." It's actually a neurological symptom of Parkinson's itself.
Parkinson's reduces dopamine in the brain, and that same shortage affects the areas that Show Full Answer
It's wonderful that you're so attentive to your wife's experience — that kind of support means a lot. The sudden, overwhelming anxiety she feels isn't "just in her head." It's actually a neurological symptom of Parkinson's itself.
Parkinson's reduces dopamine in the brain, and that same shortage affects the areas that regulate fear and anxiety responses. On top of that, lower levels of serotonin and norepinephrine — chemicals that help stabilize mood — can also contribute. One important thing to watch for is whether the anxiety spikes during "off" periods — those times when her medication starts wearing off before the next dose. This is very common and worth tracking and mentioning to her neurologist.
Common anxiety symptoms in Parkinson's can include:
- Sudden nervousness or agitation
- A sense of impending doom
- Heart palpitations or rapid breathing
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty focusing
- Gastrointestinal discomfort The good news is there are real options to help. Beyond medication adjustments, approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and biofeedback have shown promise for managing anxiety in Parkinson's. Her care team can help identify what's triggering these episodes and tailor a plan.
Bringing this up at her next appointment is a great first step — she doesn't have to just live with it.
June 24
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