Earlier this week, we talked about the effect Parkinson's has on the people of West Virginia. Many people living with the condition are unable to sufficiently control their movements, tremors and shakes to hold down a steady job and must rely on Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income to cover their medical and living expenses. Although Parkinson's is a serious condition, Psychiatric News reports that psychiatric symptoms could develop before the disease's more common motor function symptoms, possibly aiding in diagnosis.

Several years ago, researchers discovered that Parkinson's disease starts in the brainstem before moving into the midbrain region. Since the brainstem is what controls the chemicals and brain functions that influence anxiety and depression, it makes sense that many people with Parkinson's disease were showing signs of depression and anxiety before they developed tremors or mobility issues.

In some cases, these anxiety disorders can start 20 to 30 years before any of the motor skills are affected. Many people with Parkinson's also have a long history of anxiety or other psychiatric conditions in their families.

As psychiatrists learn more about the way in which psychiatric symptoms relate to Parkinson's, they may be able to better predict who will be at greater risk of developing Parkinson's disease later in life.

Some of the most common psychiatric problems that are associated with Parkinson's disease are dementia, memory problems, difficulty sleeping, psychosis, impulse control problems, personality changes, anxiety and depression. Because many of these conditions are sufficient by themselves to earn disability benefits, some people with Parkinson's disease may have experience with Social Security disability benefits lawyers and how to apply for what many consider to be crucial government benefits.

Source: Psychiatric News, "Psychiatric Treatment Crucial for Many Parkinson's Patients," Joan Arehart-Treichel, Jan. 20, 2012