• Symptoms of Parkinson's disease

  • Motor symptoms
  • Non-motor symptoms
  • Constipation
  • Sweating
  • Pain
  • Speech and facial expression
  • Sleep and fatigue
  • Sense of smell
  • Mood and behaviour
  • Apathy
  • Anxiety
  • Thought and memory

• Treatment Options

• PD: What you need to know

Anxiety

Anyone who experiences a new or stressful situation may become anxious. Anxiety disrupts sleep, and can also worsen PD symptoms such as tremor. Extreme anxiety can produce panic attacks, which include periods of dizziness, shortness of breath, and sweating. Anxiety may be experienced as a constant feeling, or it may be triggered by certain situations, e.g., going out in public. In addition to these triggers, anxiety may also be a sign of depression.

People with PD can be taught relaxation methods, and often find that therapies such as breathing techniques, muscle relaxation, massage, meditation, yoga, aromatherapy, Tai Chi, etc., can help to relieve anxiety. In some situations, medication can be prescribed.