A recent study presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting highlights the impact of anxiety on individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Researchers found that approximately one-third of patients with PD also experience anxiety, which significantly affects their daily activities.
Dr. John Acquaviva, a resident physician in neurology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, led the case-control study that analyzed data from the Fox Insight Data Exploration Network, involving over 31,000 participants. Among these, 10,135 individuals, or 32.6%, were diagnosed with anxiety. The findings revealed that those with Parkinson’s disease were 38.5% more likely to report anxiety symptoms compared to those without the condition.
The study further identified that 43.9% of patients with both Parkinson’s and anxiety reported limitations in their daily living activities due to anxiety. This group was also 65% more likely to seek treatment for their anxiety symptoms.
“Many patients receive treatment for physical symptoms like tremors and gait issues, but anxiety often goes unaddressed, leaving them still struggling,” Acquaviva explained. He emphasized the need for healthcare providers to screen for anxiety in patients with Parkinson’s disease, as untreated anxiety can worsen overall quality of life and hinder daily functioning.
The research underscores a critical aspect of managing Parkinson’s disease: addressing mental health alongside physical symptoms. By identifying and treating anxiety, healthcare professionals can improve the overall well-being of patients, leading to better management of their condition.
The study’s findings contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting the importance of comprehensive care in neurological disorders. With funding from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, this research aims to foster better understanding and treatment options for anxiety in Parkinson’s patients.
For further inquiries, Dr. Acquaviva can be contacted at johnmacquaviva@gmail.com.
