Phenomenology of Atypical Anxiety Disorders in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review

Nadeeka N. Dissanayaka, Elana J. Forbes, Kate Perepezko, Albert F.G. Leentjens, Roseanne D. Dobkin, Kathy Dujardin, Gregory M. Pontone

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: Anxiety is a prominent concern in Parkinson's disease (PD) that negatively impacts quality of life, increases functional disability, and complicates clinical management. Atypical presentations of anxiety are under-recognized and inadequately treated in patients with PD, compromising global PD care. Methods: This systematic review focuses on the prevalence, symptomology and clinical correlates of atypical presentations of PD-related anxiety following PRISMA guidelines. Results: Of the 60 studies meeting inclusion criteria, 14 focused on 'Anxiety Not Otherwise Specified (NOS)’ or equivalent, 31 reported on fluctuating anxiety symptoms, and 22 reported on 'Fear of Falling (FOF)'. Anxiety NOS accounted for a weighted mean prevalence of 14.9%, fluctuating anxiety for 34.19%, and FOF for 51.5%. These latter two exceeded the average reported overall prevalence rate of 31% for anxiety disorders in PD. We identified a diverse array of anxiety symptoms related to motor and non-motor symptoms of PD, to complications of PD medication (such as “on” and “off” fluctuations, or both), and, to a lesser extent, to cognitive symptoms. Conclusion: Atypical anxiety is common, clinically relevant, and heterogeneous in nature. A better understanding of the phenomenology, clinical course, and pathophysiology of varied forms of atypical anxiety in PD is needed to improve recognition, advance therapeutic development and ultimately optimize quality of life in PD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1026-1050
Number of pages25
JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
Volume30
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2022

Keywords

  • Parkinson's disease
  • anxiety
  • atypical
  • fear of falls
  • fluctuations

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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