Anxiety is a frequent non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s, affecting many people living with the condition. It often starts with changes in your brain chemistry from loss of dopamine, which can make it hard to regulate your emotions. The daily challenges of managing Parkinson’s, including both motor symptoms like tremors and stiffness, and non-motor symptoms such as sleep issues and fatigue, can increase your stress and worsen anxiety.

Understanding the link between Parkinson’s and anxiety is key to improving your mental wellbeing. Fortunately, anxiety in Parkinson’s is treatable. With the right combination of medication, physical activity, and psychological therapies, people with Parkinson’s can manage anxiety and improve their quality of life.

Why does anxiety happen in Parkinson’s?

As we mentioned, anxiety in Parkinson’s isn’t just about stress, it’s also about changes in your brain. When your dopamine levels drop, it affects how your brain regulates mood and emotions. Add to that the pressure of managing your symptoms, work, relationships, and daily life, and it’s no surprise that anxiety can become overwhelming. It may also manifest as unexplained depression and/or apathy.

For people diagnosed with Parkinson’s in their 20s to 50s, anxiety can be especially tough. You might be juggling careers, parenting, financial responsibilities, ageing parents and social expectations, all while navigating a condition that’s often misunderstood.

Studies show that anxiety affects up to 68% of people with Parkinson’s, and it can be just as disruptive and impactful to your daily life as your motor symptoms. Anxiety in Parkinson’s is real. It’s not a weakness, and it’s not something you should have to push through alone.

What you can do about it

Recognising anxiety as part of your Parkinson’s journey is the first step toward managing it. Here are some other practical, evidence-based ways to manage anxiety:

  1. Talk to your care team: Let your neurologist, Parkinson’s nurse, or GP know if you’re feeling anxious. They can help rule out any other causes and recommend treatments, including medication, counselling, or referrals to mental health professionals who understand Parkinson’s.
  2. Try Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is a proven therapy for anxiety and depression. It helps you reframe negative thoughts and develop coping strategies. Many people with YOPD find CBT helpful.
  3. Keep moving: Exercise isn’t just good for your body, it’s great for your brain. Regular movement can boost mood, reduce stress, help your medication work better and improve sleep. Whether it’s walking, dancing, boxing, ping pong or yoga, find something that works for you. Remember, if your aim is 30 minutes of exercise per day, you can break it up into exercise snacks of 3x ten-minute sessions.
  4. Connect with others: Young Onset support groups, online communities, and your local Parkinson’s organisation offer safe spaces to share experiences and learn from each other. Talking to someone who “gets it” can make a huge difference. Ring 1800644189 to find a young onset support group near you.
  5. Prioritise sleep and rest: Poor sleep can make anxiety worse. If you’re struggling with sleep, speak to your GP. There may be strategies or treatments that can help.

Living with YOPD doesn’t mean you have to accept anxiety as just part of the condition. With the right support, you can feel more in control and keep doing the things you love.

If you need urgent support, dial 000. Remember, you are not alone; help is available.

  • Lifeline – 13 11 14
  • Medicare Mental Health – 1800 595 212
  • Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
  • Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
  • 13YARN – 13 92 76

Further information about mental health support is available at Medicare Mental Health Centres. To locate other health advice, visit healthdirect.gov.au.

If you would like more information, go to Black Dog Institute’s Online Clinic to take a more thorough questionnaire to screen for anxiety and other mental health conditions.

At the end, you will receive a personalised assessment report which you can download, print or email. Take your report to a GP to discuss the recommendations. *not a substitute for medical advice

In an emergency, always dial 000 (triple zero).

References:

Blundell, E.K., Grover, L.E., Stott, J. et al. The experience of Anxiety for people with Parkinson’s disease. npj Parkinsons Dis. 9, 75 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41531-023-00512-1

Chen, J. J., & Marsh, L. (2014). Anxiety in Parkinson’s disease: identification and management. Therapeutic advances in neurological disorders, 7(1), 52–59. https://doi.org/10.1177/1756285613495723

Dissanayaka, Nadeeka N., Pourzinal, Dana, Byrne, Gerard, Pachana, Nancy A., O’Sullivan, John D., White, Elizabeth, Au, Tiffany, Yang, Jihyun, Interian, Alejandro, Rodriguez, Kailyn, and Dobkin, Roseanne D. (2025). Development and validation of the Parkinson’s Disease Specific Anxiety Inventory (PDSAI). Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology 38 (5) 353-361. https://doi.org/10.1177/08919887251332660

Wang, Z., Wei, H., Xin, Y., & Qin, W. (2025). Advances in the study of depression and anxiety in Parkinson’s disease: A review. Medicine, 104(7), e41674. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000041674

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