Anyone else learned had PD after anxiety, depression, panic attacks?

After my PD was diagnosed, I realized that there were all kind of sx that I had for YEARS, but were, mostly, sub-clinical. I completely understand the relief it is to hear that this "strange" series of sx actually had a name & a treatment! I doubt that earlier treatment would have made a difference with regard to those
sx,...but, somehow, it is better to know what you are dealing with.

I was also treated for depression for a long time before my Parkinson's diagnosis last spring. I had tried at least seven antidepressants over as many years, and nothing helped. My main symptom at that time was that I was just exhausted all the time. I was relieved when I finally found out what was wrong and got on some appropriate treatment. Good luck to you. I hope you find treatments that help you, too.

@chrissymc
Hi Chris, isn’t it amazing how every condition one has had in the past seems to be related to PD? I’m 77 and was diagnosed almost a year ago. Does anyone know if a condition - let’s say chronic constipation -must be linked to PD, even if the condition began in early adulthood.?
Wishing you good health!
Adrienne

My husband was diagnosed with PD in 2024. It has been all research and all trial and error. I am not an expert, but I am both a retired State Criminal Investigator and former nurse. Through patient care and my husband, I can only speak from my experience. For those of you who have PD, I have found the following as PD effects so many things:

1. Intermittently, my husband has been on Lactolose for constipation symptoms related to PD. Recently, he started drinking coconut milk daily. Not only did this end his constipation, but it also helped with his dehydration as it is a good source of electrolytes. He no longer takes Lactolose.
2. Initially upon diagnosis, my husband was placed on Carbidopa Levodopa. Unfortunately, this caused 2 episodes of partial blindness when he was exposed to heat/sun. He is now on Ropinirole and is doing well. One pill does not fit all; therefore, I suggest to get with your doctor and advocate for what works BEST for you.
3. For those caregivers/family members who are experiencing anger issues or outbursts by their family member who has PD, I have found that changing the subject or redirecting conversations helps to reduce and even eliminate anger and outbursts, thus reducing stress that can trigger more PD symptoms.
4. My husband was experiencing extreme arm pain mostly during nights. He takes low dose Tramadol; however, it just wasn't working well after he started taking Rousevastatin. His pain was climb the wall unbearable. Turns out that Rousevastatin can cause severe muscle pain. Since removing the Rousevastatin, he is no longer struggling with severe pain.
5. Weather temps have been extremely cold. PD is significantly effected by cold weather. Not only does it cause muscle pain, joint pain and stiffness, but it can cause irritability and aggitation. Staying warm with a heater and even using a humidifier helps reduce pain.
6. Stay active both physically and mentally. From playing word and memory games online, tinkering on projects in the garage, going on walks, or working out at the gym, being active will help significantly. Since my husband’s spine fusion surgery, he is up and moving everyday either dragging our pastures, caring for our cows, tinkering on house projects, or spending some quality time with me. Next month, we will be starting our salad garden. Being active will also help reduce stress that often triggers PD symptoms too.

Finally, hang in there and know that you got this! You can do whatever you set your mind too.

@adrienne625
So I went back and saw my neurologist today and they confirmed that I do have Parkinson’s disease. I’m in the very early stages. I am trying to come off of Abilify. As it works against my PD. She did put me on something to help control my tremors. All in all it was a good visit.

@chrissymc
I’m so glad you’re getting some answers. Let’s hope we both stay in the early stages of PD for a very long time.

Me too❣️

I had the same experience as you are for over 20 years. I went to see another neurologist who said, "You have Parkinson's but there isn't any test to prove it." It's like hitting my head against a brick wall so I just live with it. I took antidepressants all those years and now the Dr. has added carbidopa-levodopa.

I've had anxiety, panic for a long time, after DIAGNOSIS it got a lot worse, sometimes it can be bothersome

@cheryllynn1003ky - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Having anxiety is rough, or at least I've found it so before finding the right prescription at the right dose for me.

I'm sorry it's gotten worse with anxiety and panic after diagnosis.

When were you diagnosed with Parkinson's? What treatments have you done for PD?