Hi
My mom was diagnosed with PD about 2 years ago. Initially she took her diagnosis very well, her physical symptoms weren't too bad, just a slight tremor and a little stiffness from time to time. Then about 15 months ago she had a total breakdown and mentally she has been in a very bad way ever since. She has severe anxiety and depression and has changed from being a very young positive and outgoing woman in her 70's to a terrified frail woman who seems to have no positive thoughts and can't feel any joy or happiness whatsoever. The simplest task is an enormous challenge and she finds even washing and dressing too much. She was on Mirtazapine and Escitilopram for about a year and we saw very little improvement so she has recently been changed to Duloxetine and so far says she feels worse than ever although it is early days. Although there are a few other factors that could have contributed to her breakdown I think that PD is the main cause, is this quite a common symptom? I feel totally helpless, I want so much to help but am losing hope that we will ever get her feeling better. I know there is no cure and she will never recover from PD but even to get her feeling stronger and brighter and enjoying life again. She is still very capable physically but I feel that the clock is ticking and we should be making the most of every moment while we can!