Psychological Treatment Considerations for Early versus Late-Stage Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is estimated to impact at least one percent of persons over the age of sixty. Loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra results in neurological symptoms, including the characteristic motor symptoms seen in Parkinson’s Disease. In addition to the distressing motor symptoms, neuropsychiatric symptoms and treatment-related symptoms are common features of Parkinson’s Disease. Symptom constellations vary from early-stage to late-stage and necessitate that treatment approaches evolve throughout disease progression. Given the range of psychological and cognitive challenges posed by Parkinson’s Disease, health psychologists must recognize relevant symptomology and utilize appropriate tools to manage the everchanging psychological sequelae. When done effectively, psychologists can play a critical role in the management of psychological symptoms and the improvement of quality of life for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. This review provides an overview of the Hoehn and Yahr rating system for staging Parkinson’s Disease, discusses the psychiatric comorbidities associated with various stages, and offers psychological treatment approaches that are appropriate for each stage.