How does Parkinson's disease influence depression?

Parkinson's disease is a condition affecting nerve cells in the brain, which then impacts the way a person moves. But how is Parkinson's disease linked to depression?

A person diagnosed with Parkinson's disease may have trouble moving. Parts of their body may start shaking, their body and muscles may feel stiff, and they may move more slowly than usual.

In addition to the physical symptoms that characterize the condition, people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease may also experience depression.

Fast facts:

• Feeling depressed is more serious and long-term than just feeling sad.
• Experiencing depression could be an early indicator of Parkinson's disease.
• Depression is a symptom of Parkinson's disease, just like tremors are.
• Treatments include anti-depressants and counseling.

How are Parkinson's and depression related?

50 percent of people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease may experience depression which is a mood disorder.

It is normal for a person to feel sad when they have been diagnosed with a serious condition such as Parkinson's disease. But feeling this way does not necessarily mean a person is depressed.

Depression is a mood disorder that can affect a person's ability to carry out daily activities and about 50 percent of people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease experience depression. This is thought to be distinct from feeling sad about their diagnosis.

Depression is considered to be a symptom of Parkinson's disease in the same way as involuntary shaking. Both are caused by changes in the brain chemistry.

Research by the National Parkinson Foundation compared the impact of mood, depression, and anxiety with that of the physical symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

It found psychological symptoms of the condition might have more of a negative impact on a person's overall health than physical ones.