Re: depression

[Dennis Greene <dennisg@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The subject of depression and PD is perennial. Some years ago I posted the
following as a gentle reminder that whilst it is arguable that 100% of PWP
look depressed it is a matter of record that only 40-60% are depressed. Or
to put that another way 40-60% of PWP do not experience long term
depression.

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 Ok - who hid the Prozac
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Thoughts on being told that everyone with Parkinson's will suffer from
Clinical Depression

(Note: There is a school of thought, to which I don't subscribe, which sees
clinical depression as an inevitable companion to Parkinson's Disease. One
of its adherents suggested that it would be a good idea for all PWP to keep
antidepressants around "just in case" )

I'm starting to get really excited. I'm not depressed. Sad at times, given
to wishing things were different at times, but not depressed. Questions
crowd me:

*    Does this mean I don't have Parkinson's Disease?

*    Does this mean I do have Parkinson's Disease but someone else got my
share of depression?

*    Does this mean that I am wrong in believing that sadness is a
legitimate emotion in its own right?

*    Am I doing a Stevie Smith (Not waving, but drowning)?

*    If I convince myself that I'm too happy to have Parkinson's Disease,
but then find out I really do have Parkinson's Disease, will I, at last get
depressed?

Wait a minute----all these questions have really got me worried. Hey! Was
that the tiniest tendril of depression slipping into the back of my mind?

Yes---Yes it is----I belong again.

Now then, where are those antidepressants I kept around "just in case"?


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Dennis Greene 50/dx 37/ onset 32
There's nothing wrong with me that dealing with PD won't fix!
email - dennisg@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Website - 
(most recent update - Feb 2000)
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