Resources on Depression and PD: PDF Response to News of Robin Williams' Diagnosis with Disease
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF) has recently learned from a statement released by Robin Williams' widow, Susan Schneider, that the well known actor was in the early stages of Parkinson's disease. This news raised many questions in the community and amongst the media concerning the effects of a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and symptoms such as depression.
While depression and anxiety are quite common in Parkinson’s disease – more than half of people with Parkinson’s will experience one or the other during their lifetime – they can often be successfully managed with medications under the supervision of a doctor who specializes in PD.
Anyone who has questions about this, or needs assistance in finding a doctor specializing in Parkinson's disease, is invited to call the National HelpLine of the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation at (800) 457 6676 or email us at info@pdf.org. Please also browse the facts and resources we’ve gathered below on depression and anxiety in PD.
PDF estimates that up to 60 percent of people with Parkinson’s experience mild or moderate symptoms of depression at some point in the disease.
Thirty percent of people with Parkinson's disease are diagnosed with depression before ever receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
There is not yet one answer on what causes depression, but it is likely a combination of the stress of living with a chronic disease and changes in the brain that accompany Parkinson's disease.
There are strategies available for treating depression, including but not limited to, medications. It is important to address depression early, as it affects quality of life.
Parkinson's disease is very variable from person to person. Each individual will have a unique experience and journey with the disease and its symptoms.
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ROBIN WILLIAMS DIES WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Robin Williams (1951-2014) was an American actor and comedian who appeared in
numerous films and who recently committed suicide. His wife, Susan Schneider, has made a
statement that, at the time of his death, Robin Williams was in the early stages of Parkinson's
Disease.
His wife, Susan Schneider wrote : Robin's sobriety was intact and he was brave as he
struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson's
Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly. It is our hope in the wake of Robin’s
tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat
whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid.”
Starting as a stand-up comedian in San Francisco and Los
Angeles, he soon rose to fame as Mork in the TV series Mork &
Mindy (1978-82). His film career included : Popeye (1980), The
World According to Garp (1982), Good Morning, Vietnam
(1987), Dead Poets Society (1989), Awakenings (1990), The
Fisher King (1991), Hook (1991), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993),
Jumanji (1995), and Night at the Museum (2006). He was
nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor three times
and won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
He sometimes suffered from depression and struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for
much of his career. On 11th August 2014 he was found dead after committing suicide by
hanging. For more information go to : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Williams
Parkinsons Org. UK - See more at: http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/news/14-august-2014/late-robin-williams-diagnosed-parkinsons#sthash.NveBKMkR.dpuf
In a recent statement, Susan Schneider, the wife of the late Robin Williams, said he was in the early stages of Parkinson's at the time of his death.
Steve Ford, our chief executive, says:
Sadly, depression is just one of the many symptoms that people living with Parkinson's will have to contend with on a daily basis.
"The death of Robin Williams was a huge shock to us all and to learn that he was living with the early stages of Parkinson's makes his passing even more poignant.
"Sadly, depression is just one of the many symptoms that people living with Parkinson's will have to contend with on a daily basis.
"While we will never know whether Robin's diagnosis of Parkinson's was a factor in his tragic decision to end his life, we salute the bravery of his wife Susan Schneider, in making the bold choice to speak out about Robin's battle with the condition.
"One person every hour is diagnosed with Parkinson's in the UK, and we know that for many it can be a confusing and uncertain time.
"Parkinson's can be a very difficult condition to diagnose, as no two people with Parkinson's are the same.
"Symptoms - such as slowness of movement or a tremor and even depression - can change on a daily, or even hourly basis.
It's vital that anyone worried about facing the future with Parkinson's get the support and information they need.
"Many people, with the right medication, continue to live a full and active live with Parkinson's.
"But for some, it can be life-changing and it's vital that anyone worried about facing the future with Parkinson's gets the support and information they need."
You'll find lots of information and support on this website. Or if you need to speak to someone, call our confidential helpline 0808 800 0303.
Contact the HelpLine
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