Aug 28, 2018
Depression is common in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and may manifest itself in different ways for each individual. While the core symptom is a negative mood, other symptoms may be variable and can include changes in sleep, appetite, energy, or pain. These symptoms may overlap with the PD itself, making it difficult for the person with PD or even healthcare providers to recognize the depression. In this podcast, movement disorders specialist, Irene Richard, a professor of neurology and psychiatry at the University of Rochester in New York, says the key to effective management is for people with PD, their loved ones, and their healthcare providers to recognize depression first and then treat it appropriately. Dr. Richard discusses how people with PD and their families should have an increased level of awareness of what depression may look like and feel confident about bringing it up with their healthcare team.