{"id":26887,"date":"2015-02-03T12:52:25","date_gmt":"2015-02-03T20:52:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?page_id=26887"},"modified":"2018-04-10T16:16:34","modified_gmt":"2018-04-10T23:16:34","slug":"parkinsonism","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/parkinsonism\/","title":{"rendered":"Parkinsonism"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-37190 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hands_hold_walking_cane-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up of two wrinkled hands holding a cane.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hands_hold_walking_cane-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hands_hold_walking_cane.jpg 724w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/span>Parkinsonism<\/strong> is a term used to describe any neurological condition that causes symptoms similar to that of Parkinson&#8217;s disease. These symptoms often include tremors, stiff muscles, and balance problems.<\/p>\n<p>Parkinson&#8217;s disease is a type of Parkinsonism and the most common cause of its symptoms. Parkinson\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s disease accounts for 70% of all diagnosed cases of Parkinsonism. However, Parkinson\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s disease is a neurodegenerative illness, whereas Parkinsonism is used to describe a neurological syndrome, or collection of observable symptoms. Because there are many types and possible causes of Parkinsonism, doctors must do a thorough assessment before offering a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/psychpedia\/diagnosis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">diagnosis<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What Is Parkinsonism?<\/strong><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Parkinsonism, also referred to as atypical Parkinson&#8217;s or secondary Parkinson\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s, covers a wide range of neurological issues that share a common core of symptoms. These classic symptoms are referred to as TRAP symptoms. TRAP stands for <strong>tremor<\/strong>, <strong>rigidity<\/strong>, <strong>akinesia<\/strong>, and <strong>postural instability.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><strong>What Causes Parkinsonism?<\/strong><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>It is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of Parkinsonism. Researchers believe both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/psychpedia\/genetics\">genetic<\/a> and environmental factors play a part in Parkinsonism. Although there are many types and many possible causes, researchers know <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/psychpedia\/dopamine\">dopamine<\/a>-producing cells are affected in every form of Parkinsonism. This causes problems with the body\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s ability to control movement.<\/p>\n<p>Some of the known health problems associated with the condition include, but are not limited to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Multiple system atrophy<\/li>\n<li>Progressive supranuclear palsy<\/li>\n<li>Viral encephalitis<\/li>\n<li>Stroke<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/psychpedia\/dementia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dementia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/learn-about-therapy\/issues\/traumatic-brain-injury\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Traumatic brain injury<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Brain tumors<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/learn-about-therapy\/issues\/drug-and-substance-abuse\">Substance abuse<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Industrial toxin poisoning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Symptoms of Parkinsonism<\/strong><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Parkinsonism and Parkinson&#8217;s disease have several symptoms in common. However, symptoms of the various types of Parkinsonism extend beyond those of Parkinson&#8217;s Disease.<\/p>\n<p>Common symptoms for Parkinson&#8217;s and Parkinsonism:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Resting tremor<\/li>\n<li>Stiff muscles or rigidity<\/li>\n<li>Slow movements<\/li>\n<li>Postural instability<\/li>\n<li>Akinesia or loss of voluntary movement<\/li>\n<li>Restlessness, agitation, and discomfort<\/li>\n<li>Cognitive changes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Symptoms unique to Parkinsonism (Non-Parkinson&#8217;s):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/psychpedia\/memory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Memory<\/a> loss<\/li>\n<li>Low blood pressure<\/li>\n<li>Urinary problems<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/psychpedia\/aphasia\">Aphasia<\/a> or the inability to understand spoken\/written language<\/li>\n<li>Apraxia or the inability to complete simple tasks<\/li>\n<li>Muscle spasms<\/li>\n<li>Difficulty moving the eyes<\/li>\n<li>Voice problems, swallowing difficulty, and drooling<\/li>\n<li>Problems with gait<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Parkinsonism and Mental Health<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>There are many medical treatment options available for people diagnosed with Parkinsonism. These options include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Discontinuation of symptom-causing drugs<\/li>\n<li>Medication for symptom relief<\/li>\n<li>Physical therapy<\/li>\n<li>Occupational therapy<\/li>\n<li>Healthy nutrition and regular exercise<\/li>\n<li>Surgery<\/li>\n<li>Rehabilitative therapy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In addition to the medical treatments above, mental health treatment from a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/find-therapist.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">qualified therapist or counselor<\/a> should also be considered. Symptoms of Parkinsonism are painful, exhausting, and usually progressive. Changes in mobility and appearance can affect <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/learn-about-therapy\/issues\/self-esteem\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">self-esteem<\/a> and lead to debilitating <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/learn-about-therapy\/issues\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mental health issues<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Not only do those in treatment and their loved ones experience cycles of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/learn-about-therapy\/issues\/grief\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">grief and loss<\/a>, but those diagnosed with Parkinsonism are also at risk for other mental health issues. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/learn-about-therapy\/issues\/depression\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">depression<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/learn-about-therapy\/issues\/anxiety\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">anxiety<\/a> are common among people diagnosed with Parkinson&#8217;s and other atypical forms, and some studies show depression is linked to a faster progression of symptoms.<\/p>\n<p>Mental health treatments that may be helpful include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/learn-about-therapy\/types\/cognitive-behavioral-therapy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cognitive behavioral therapy<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/family-therapy.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family therapy<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/learn-about-therapy\/types\/art-therapy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Art therapy<\/a> (can aid in communication, stress reduction, and treatment of depression and anxiety)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/marriage-counseling.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Couples counseling<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/learn-about-therapy\/issues\/grief\">Grief<\/a> counseling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The above therapies may be instrumental in the healing process and can provide beneficial support for those adjusting to their parkinsonism diagnosis.<\/p>\n<p><strong>References<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>American Friends of Tel Aviv University. (2013, January 14). Parkinson&#8217;s treatment can trigger creativity: Patients treated with dopamine-enhancing drugs are developing artistic talents, doctor says.\u00c2\u00a0<em>Science Daily<\/em>. Retrieved from http:\/\/www.sciencedaily.com\/releases\/2013\/01\/130114111622.htm<\/li>\n<li>Arehart-Treichel, J. (n.d.). Psychiatric treatment crucial for many Parkinson\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s patients.\u00c2\u00a0<em>Psychiatric News<\/em>. Retrieved from http:\/\/psychnews.psychiatryonline.org\/doi\/full\/10.1176%2Fpn.47.2.psychnews_47_2_29-a<\/li>\n<li>Dobkin, R. D., Menza, M., &amp; Bienfait, K. L. (2008, January). CBT for the treatment of depression in Parkinson\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s disease: A promising non-pharmacological approach. <em>National Institute of Health Public Access Author Manuscript<\/em>, <em>8<\/em>(1), 27-35. doi:10.1586\/14737175.8.1.27<\/li>\n<li>Lindop, F., Brown, L., Graziano, M., &amp; Jones, D. (2014, April). Atypical Parkinsonism: Making the case for a neuropalliative rehabilitation approach [Electronic version]. <em>International Journal of Therapy &amp; Rehabilitation<\/em>, <em>21<\/em>(4), 176-182.<\/li>\n<li>Parkinson&#8217;s disease and Parkinsonism: Are they the same?. (2014). In <em>Parkinson&#8217;s Action Network<\/em>. Retrieved from http:\/\/parkinsonsaction.org\/about-pan\/parkinsons-disease\/parkinsons-disease-and-parkinsonism-are-they-same-thing<\/li>\n<li>Porter, R. S., Kaplan, J. L., &amp; Homeier, B. P. (Eds.). (2009). Anxiety disorders. <em>The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook\u00c2\u00a0<\/em>(3rd ed., p. 777). West Point, PA: Merck &amp; Co.<\/li>\n<li>Understanding Parkinson&#8217;s. (n.d.).\u00c2\u00a0The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson&#8217;s Research. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.michaeljfox.org\/understanding-parkinsons\/supporting-caregiving.php<\/li>\n<li>Weiner, W. J., Shulman, L. M., &amp; Lang, A. E. (2013). <em>Parkinson&#8217;s Disease <\/em>(3rd ed.). Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press.<\/li>\n<li>What are the different types of atypical Parkinsonism syndromes?. (n.d.).\u00c2\u00a0National Parkinson&#8217;s Foundation. Retrieved from http:\/\/www.parkinson.org\/Parkinson-s-Disease\/Diagnosis\/What-are-the-different-types-of-atypical-Parkinson<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Parkinsonism is a term used to describe any neurological condition that causes symptoms similar to that of Parkinson&#8217;s disease. These symptoms often include tremors, stiff muscles, and balance problems. Parkinson&#8217;s disease is a type of Parkinsonism and the most common cause of its symptoms. Parkinson\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s disease accounts for 70% of all diagnosed cases of Parkinsonism. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2866,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"psychpedia.php","meta":{"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-26887","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26887","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2866"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26887"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26887\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26887"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}