Objectives - Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, affecting the motor
system with psychological difficulties also frequently reported. While explanations for
psychological difficulties are historically situated within a biomedical framework, more recently
the relevance of psychological determinants has become a research focus. This review therefore
examines this relationship with the two most commonly reported psychological difficulties
(anxiety and depression) in people with PD.
Methods - Databases were systematically searched up to 17 December 2013, identifying
twenty-four studies meeting inclusion criteria.
Results - Significant predictors of heightened anxiety and depression included: increased
emotion-focused coping; less problem-focused coping; lower perceived control; more dominant
beliefs about PD as part of a person’s identity, and influence on life; less social support and more
avoidant personality types.
Conclusions - Relationships between some specific psychological predictors and
depression and anxiety seem well supported. The complexity of relationships between these
psychological determinants should be taken into consideration when delivering psychological
interventions.
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)