Overcoming Parkinson's Disease Denial
Imagine going to the doctor because you are suffering from a slew of odd symptoms that you’ve never experienced before – shaky hands, body stiffness, slowed movement and more. Your primary care physician recommends you visit a neurologist, which increases your anxiety. After multiple tests, you leave with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, a chronic disorder that can greatly affect your quality of life.
This scenario is all too real for more than 200,000 people each year in the United States. Unfortunately, instead of pursuing the necessary treatment following the diagnosis, many of these people go into denial and refuse to accept the truth of their new health condition.
Denial After Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis
Following a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, it’s expected that the individual is surprised and experiences feelings of worry and anxiety. In many cases, this shock quickly turns into disbelief and denial. Denial is especially common in individuals whose symptoms are still mild and, in some cases, barely noticeable. These people tend to believe that their physician’s diagnosis was incorrect, and their symptoms can be passed off as something else, such as side effects of a new medication.
The most prominent issue with denial occurs if the individual refuses to take medication for his or her symptoms. While the symptoms may be minimal right now, Parkinson’s disease progresses at different rates for each individual, and taking medication can keep symptoms at bay. Shockingly, many physicians believe that denial in the beginning stages of Parkinson’s disease can actually be helpful in reducing anxiety related to the diagnosis. If the individual is in denial but continues to take the prescribed medication, the denial may help them to keep their mind off their symptoms.
As the individual begins to accept their diagnosis, it’s not uncommon for them to search for an explanation – Why me? What could I have done differently? What caused this? Are my genetics to blame? Upsettingly, answers may never be found, for the cause of Parkinson’s disease cannot currently be blamed on one thing.
Overcoming Parkinson’s Denial
If you notice that a family member or loved one is in denial about their Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, there are plenty of things you can do to help them transition into acceptance.
Discuss the diagnosis with your loved one
In this discussion, it is important to be blunt, honest and straight to the point. Without scaring the individual, explain to them the risks they are taking by denying their disorder. This is especially important if they are refusing to take any medication that has been prescribed to them.
Be supportive
Let them know that you are there for them if they feel the need to express any fears or concerns about their diagnosis. Offer to sit down and speak to the physician with them so they can better understand what to expect with Parkinson’s disease.
Be on the look out for symptoms of depression
Depression is common after the diagnosis of many chronic disorders and Parkinson’s disease is no exception.
Encourage self-reflection
It’s important for your loved one to take the time to think about their diagnosis and the effects it may have on the rest of their lives. While this may be scary at first, the more they understand the disorder, the more accepting they will be.
Research the disorder together
As they say, knowledge is power, and your loved one’s assumptions of Parkinson’s disease may be worse than the reality of the disorder. Understanding their diagnosis will help them accept it.
Like any chronic health disorder, Parkinson’s disease will bring new challenges to the life of anyone who is diagnosed with it. Despite this, many people who receive the necessary treatment and take the prescribed medication continue on to live normal lives and fulfilling lives,
