Objective:

To evaluate the association between Parkinson Disease (PD) and anxiety, previous treatment of anxiety, and activity limitations due to anxiety. 

Background:

Anxiety is a common non-motor symptom reported by individuals with PD. However, the activity limitations associated with anxiety and the likelihood for treatment of anxiety in individuals with PD have not been significantly reported on.  

Design/Methods:

A case-control study was completed using questionnaire data from the Fox Insight Data Exploration Network. Three logistic regression models assessed the association between PD diagnosis, anxiety, activity limitation, and treatment of anxiety.  

Results:

Of the 31,124 individuals with PD, 32.6% reported symptoms of anxiety. Of the 11,326 individuals with PD and comorbid anxiety, 43.9% reported activity limitation due to anxiety. Of the 4,974 individuals with PD and who reported activity limitation due to anxiety, 74.6% reported being treated for anxiety. In individuals who reported a diagnosis of PD, there was a higher likelihood of experiencing anxiety (OR 1.385, 95% CI [1.32-1.46]). In individuals who reported a diagnosis of PD and who have experienced anxiety, there was a higher likelihood of reporting activity limitations due to anxiety (OR 1.22, 95% CI [1.12-1.32]). In individuals who reported a diagnosis of PD and activity limitations due to anxiety, there was a higher likelihood of reporting treatment of anxiety (OR 1.65, 95% CI [1.52-1.79]).  

Conclusions:

Individuals with PD are more likely to experience anxiety and activity limitation due to anxiety. Furthermore, individuals with PD who report activity limitation due to anxiety are more likely to seek treatment for anxiety. Assessing anxiety severity in individuals with PD is important for treatment potential and understanding contributors to functional limitations of the disease.