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What Causes Anxiety And Panic Attacks When Diagnosed With Parkinson's Disease?

Posted on Tue, 27 Dec 2016

Question: Hi! I feel like I need confirmation of what I assume is going on with me. Here is the story. My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in October, at age 64. Immediately following his diagnosis, I became insanely anxious. I developed heart palpitations, rapid breathing, muscle spasms and twitches, as well as super tight muscles. Since then, as soon as I feel a twitch in a muscle, my anxiety sky rockets.

I have been noticing that, specifically with my ring finer and pinky finger on my left hand, that I have tingling, numbness, and if I stretch my arm I notice those two fingers quiver a tiny bit.

I am just so nervous, and hyper aware of my body, and every little feeling or movement. Logically I know that Parkinson's has many symptoms as it is a neurological disorder, but I guess I need to hear a doctor say the same thing?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

What you are describing are clearly somatic symptoms of anxiety and panic. None of these symptoms is consistent with Parkinson's. These are classic anxiety symptoms. I recommend weekly psychotherapy to help relieve this anxiety.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)

Thank you so much. That is what I figured, but the anxiety sure plays tricks on your mind and body:(. I am working with an MFT now, and hoping that will resolve some of those issues:)

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee