Treatment for Parkinson's Disease with Depression

Parkinson's disease kills. In the case of Kevin Horvat, a former biology teacher from Red Wing High School, Parkinson's disease killed him through depression, which affects approximately 28 percent of people diagnosed with Parkinsons.

Treating Parkinson's disease (PD) with depression is often overlooked. According to a study reported by WebMD, nearly 40 percent of people with Parkinson's disease suffer from untreated depression, often because physicians cannot recognize the symptoms. The stigma of having depression also plays a role. Because physicians cannot readily recognize the signs of depression, people with Parkinson's disease must take an active role. Here are some ways to ask for treatment for Parkinson's disease with depression.

1. Tell the physician about your symptoms. The symptoms of depression and Parkinson's disease can be similar, making it harder to diagnose. Note if you have any of the symptoms below:

Fatigue
Extreme tiredness
Feel sad, empty, or worthless
Insomnia
Extreme appetite change
Thoughts of suicide

Immediately tell your physician if you experience any of these symptoms.

2. Ask for help. Ask to receive treatment for Parkinson's disease with depression. If your physician does not know if any treatments are available, get a second opinion. Treatment for Parkinson's disease with depression is limited but does exist.

So which treatments are effective?

"Individuals with depression and Parkinson's disease do respond to antidepressants,"said Dr. Matthew Menza on Reuters.com. It turns out that newer antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are less effective at treating symptoms of Parkinson's related depression. Older antidepressants, such as tricylics, significantly improves depression in PD patients, reducing suicidal thoughts, poor self esteem, and low energy levels

Researchers believe tricylics are more effective because it also reduces other symptoms related to Parkinson's disease, such as anxiety and insomnia.

Downing a bunch of antidepressants won't cure the problem, however. Pairing antidepressants with therapy helps significantly decrease symptoms of Parkinson's disease with depression. Oftentimes people with PD feel isolated, so talking it out through therapy is extremely beneficial. Joining support groups also offers the same benefit but may not relieve all depression complications.

3. Here's the biggest step: if you feel suicidal, call your physician immediately. Suicide kills everybody with depression-including people with Parkinson's disease.

If you experience any suicidal thoughts, call a physician immediately. If your physician is not available, call 1-800-784-2433, the national suicide prevention hotline. Parkinson's disease is a debilitating disease, but it does not have to cost you your life.

Unfortunately I never got to tell Mr. Horvat, my science teacher in high school, how much I appreciated him. He killed himself in May 2009, after burning a town hall near Duluth. He was missing for several days before they found his body in his vehicle, dead from an apparent suicide.

Red Wing High School and all of Mr. Horvat's students, including myself, miss him dearly. This didn't have to happen. There is help. If you suspect you have this unique condition, get treatment for Parkinson's Disease with depression now before it's too late. Learn from Kevin Horvat, who unfortunately did not have the resources to prevent his own death.

Sources:
Bett Jett, "Update: Tragic End to Teacher's Battle wit Parkinson's Disease" (Fox21News.com)
Miranda Hitti, "Depression Common in Parkinson's" (WebMD.com)
Karla Gale, "Older Drug Seen Better For Parkinson's Depression" (Reuters.com)