Depression in PD
Depression is a very common non-motor symptom of Parkinson's Disease (PD). It is often overlooked and undertreated. Here are some resources to help understand depression, when to get screened, and how to manage it.
NOTE: If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALk (8255) or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Downloadable Documents (PDF)
Combatting Depression and Parkinson’s Disease
Published by the Parkinson’s Foundation, 2019
This two-page fact sheet distinguishes between sadness and depression, lists 10 signs of depression in PD, explains causes and treatment options of depression for those with PD. Those with PD should have annual screening for depression, discuss all mood changes with their healthcare team, and bring a family member to doctor appointments to discuss mood changes.
Depression and Parkinson's
Published by Parkinson's UK, December 2017
This 11-page information sheet provides a mini self-evaluation to help determine if diagnosis by a professional should be pursued for depressive symptoms. Several self-help steps are described.
Depression and Parkinson's Disease
Published by the American Parkinson Disease Association, 2022
This two-page fact sheet reviews the prevalence of depression among those with PD, symptoms of depression, and treatment options, including non-pharmacological, prescription, and electro-convulsive therapy. Finally, there is information about managing existing medications with depression and a reminder to also treat anxiety, which often coexists with depression in PD.
En Español: La Depresión y la enfermedad de Parkinson
Depression and PD: A Non-Drug Treatment Option
Published by the Parkinson’s Foundation, 2019
This 2-page fact sheet explains and recommends cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to manage Parkinson’s-related depression. Set goals for daily activities with a focus on exercise, socialization and positive emotional self care. Recognize negative thoughts and implement strategies to minimize them. Work with your care partner to reinforce positive behaviors and implement healthy habits.
Depression, Anxiety and Apathy in Parkinson’s Disease: Essential Facts for Patients
Published by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS), 2018
This one-page fact sheet briefly explains how and why PD affects mood, including depression, anxiety and apathy. It talks about how to identify mood symptoms and how they are diagnosed and treated.
Mood: A Mind Guide to Parkinson's Disease
Published by the Parkinson’s Foundation, 2018
This digital book explains how Parkinson’s can affect mood and emotional health. It covers depression, anxiety, anger and apathy, including why they occur, how they differ, and what treatments are available. The guide has patient stories, care tips, and questions to discuss with your doctor. Available as an e-book, audiobook and Kindle download.
Online Articles
How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Help You Live Well with Parkinson's
By Roseanne D. Dobkin, PhD. Published by the Davis Phinney Foundation, August 4, 2021
This article explains what cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is and some tools you can learn through CBT to cope with depression and anxiety symptoms of Parkinson's. It includes self-assessment questions to determine if your mood is as good as you would like it to be.
Depression
Published by Parkinson’s Foundation
Depression is common in Parkinson’s disease because of changes in areas of the brain involved in regulating mood, energy, motivation, appetite and sleep. Depression may be a precursor to motor symptoms and may intensify both motor and cognitive symptoms. This page outlines the psychological, biological and environmental factors that contribute to depression, symptoms, diagnostis, several treatment options, and tips for coping.
Depression and Anxiety
Published by the Michael J. Fox Foundation
This webpage explains that depression and anxiety are symptoms of PD. Mood changes impact quality of life and how treatments work. Help comes in many forms, including support groups and medications. Lastly, what researchers know and what they are studying about depression and anxiety in PD is summarized.
Helping Parkinson’s Patients with Depression
By James Beck, PhD. Published by Psychology Today, April 5, 2018
Due to changes that Parkinson’s causes in the chemistry of the brain, depression is a common side effect. Even though at least half of those with PD suffer with depression, most go undiagnosed or are under-treated. This short article explains the physiological and psychological factors that contribute to depression, the most common symptoms and numerous treatment options.
Recognize Depression and Anxiety in Parkinson’s
By Kara Mayer Robinson. Medically Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD. Published by WebMD, September 18, 2024
This four-minute read covers what depression can look like, what anxiety can look like, how to find out if you have anxiety or depression, and treatment options for anxiety and depression, including alternative treatments and lifestyle changes.
Podcasts & Webinars
Apathy or Depression: Which One Is It?
By the Parkinson’s Foundation, June 14, 2016
This 68-minute audio lecture with coordinated slide presentation features Dawn Bowers, Ph.D., speaking on the differences and overlapping aspects of apathy and depression; the difficulty in diagnosing for people with Parkinson’s disease and treatments for both.
Ask the MD: Depression and Anxiety in Parkinson’s Disease
By The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Foxfeed Blog, January 24, 2017
This four-minute video is a summary of depression and anxiety symptoms in Parkinson’s disease by Dr. Rachel Dolhun. She packs a lot of information into such a short time, explaining precisely how both can be managed with medication, talk therapy and/or behavioral strategies, such as regular exercise and social activities.
Depression and Anxiety in Parkinson’s Disease
By the Michael J. Fox Foundation, June 16, 2016
This one-hour audio with slides is an interview of a person with Parkinson’s disease, a psychiatrist, and a neuropsychiatrist. Panelists discuss the causes of depression and anxiety in Parkinson’s disease, the symptoms, and how to treat and manage this aspect of life with the disease.
Depression and Parkinson’s Disease
By the Parkinson's Society of British Columbia, May 12, 2020
In this one-hour webinar psychiatrist Fidel Vila-Rodriguez, MD, discusses the symptoms and treatment options for depression as well as the state of research into depression and PD, briefly touching on experimental forms of neurostimulation to address depression.
Webinar notes on the Stanford PD Community Blog
Impact of Depression in Parkinson's Disease
By the Veteran's Administration, February 21, 2013
This seven-minute video alternates between an interview with a man sharing his challenges with Parkinson's disease and depression, and doctors explaining that depression is very common in Parkinson's disease. Doctors should screen for depression and refer to a psychiatrist for treatment before symptoms advance to the point of suicidal ideation. There are multiple treatment options for depression including cognitive behavior therapy and multiple medications.
Mental Health and Parkinson's
By Parkinson Society British Columbia, March 30, 2021
In this one-hour talk, clinical counselor Courtney Doherty describes depression, anxiety, and apathy -- all common changes in mood in Parkinson’s disease (PD). And she provides extensive information for how these changes can be treated, particularly in non-pharmacological ways.
Moving with Mood Changes in Aging and Parkinson’s: A Look at Depression and Anxiety
By the Michael J. Fox Foundation, June 2020
In this one-hour webinar a panel of physicians and people with PD that include a psychiatrist, neurologist, and a music producer discuss how and why mood changes, such as depression and anxiety, happen in Parkinson’s, how you and your loved ones can talk about these symptoms with each other and with your providers, and what treatment options are available.
Webinar Notes on the Stanford PD Community Blog
Psilocybin Therapy for Depression in PD
By PMD Alliance, August 23, 2021
In this one-hour talk, psychiatrist Ellen Bradley, MD, explains why psilocybin facilitates emotional focused therapy and shares the outcomes of her research into the effect of oral psilocybin therapy on depression, anxiety, and motor symptoms on 12 people with Parkinson’s, in combination with talk therapy. Results were overwhelmingly positive, resulting in a larger, ongoing study.
Thriving with PD
By PMD Alliance, August 23, 2021
In this 50-minute Wholistic episode moderator Indu Subramanian talks with movement disorders and palliative care specialist, Dr. Janis Miyasaki, about the difference between depression and demoralization and how to meet the spiritual needs of people with Parkinson's.
Understanding the Emotionality of Parkinson's
By PMD Alliance, August 2, 2021
Movement disorders specialist Mindy Bixby speaks for about 35 minutes on the mechanisms that contribute to mood changes in PD, then answers questions. Her focus goes beyond anxiety and depression to include behavior changes. She offers both pharmaceutical and natural ways to counter these changes.
Last updated April 2025 by Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach.
