One study found that Parkinson's patients are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. It is likely other factors are involved as well, but the disease is heavily correlated with these mental health problems.

Parkinson's Disease and Depression/Anxiety

Parkinson's patients were also found to be more likely to develop phobias when compared to the general population. Most phobias were related to social contexts and/or public spaces (agoraphobia). This indicates that specific chronic illnesses can lead to specific mental health issues. 

Parkinson's Disease and Phobias

Parkinson's patients scored higher on tests of psychoticism then the general population. Seeing as Parkinson's disease is neurological, this is possibly due to a combination of physical and mental factors.

Parkinson's Disease and Psychotic Symptoms

Parkinson's Disease is a chronic illness that impairs motor movement. Most research has focused on the physical aspects of the disease, but there have been observed psychological trends as well.

Michigan State University

 A large percentage of people have Chronic Illness; the chronic illnesses have significant psychosocial ramifications for both the affected person and their family members. This in return creates new challenges for the field of psychology.


The Impacts of Chronic Illness

Carrozzino D, Siri C, Bech P. The prevalence of psychological distress in Parkinson's disease patients: The brief symptom inventory (BSI-18) versus the Hopkins symptom checklist (SCL-90-R). Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2019 Jan 10;88:96-101. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.07.012. Epub 2018 Jul 12. PMID: 30017779.

The prevalence of psychological distress in Parkinson's disease patients: The brief symptom inventory (BSI-18) versus the Hopkins symptom checklist (SCL-90-R)

There is a large percentage of the population experiences Chronic Illness. Due to a lack of relevant research and lack of diagnosis, the true amount remains unknown.

Prevalence of  Chronic Illness

• Work or School Absence
• Healthcare Utilization
• Temporary Disability

Different Impacts of Chronic Illness

- poor doctor and patient communication
- the patients personal beliefs 
- the patients personality traits
- the way the patients family interacts

Factors that Increase the Likelihood of Greater Chronic Illness impact

Due to the changes and stress associated with Chronic Illness, the patient is biologically and psychologically effected. This will also effect their environment and the people around them. 

Psychosocial Impacts of Chronic Illness

Parkinson's Disease (PD) Patient's Mental Health

Women who have breast cancer can feel an increase in psychological distress such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, social isolation, sexuality concerns, and self-blame.

The Psychological Impact of Breast Cancer

When a physician discloses or communicates to their patient a new medical diagnosis. Regarding diagnosis disclosure in dementia (specifically Alzheimer's disease), a number of physicians have been hesitant to tell patients they have this disease in fear of their patients experiencing high emotional distress and feelings of suicidality.

Diagnosis Disclosure in Dementia

- Meaning-making coping model
- Emotion-focused coping
- Problem-focused coping 
- Transactional model of stress and coping 
- Dual process model of loss 


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