A Systematic Review of Psychotherapy Approaches for Anxiety in Parkinson's Disease.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapies for reducing anxiety in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients.
Results Summary
The study found mixed results for mindfulness-based therapies in reducing anxiety in PD patients, with a stronger evidence base supporting cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Other therapeutic approaches, including mindfulness, were under-researched.
Population
Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with anxiety.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) | decrease | anxiety | Parkinson's disease (PD) patients | - | good evidence-base for anxiety reduction | #1 |
mindfulness-based therapies | no change | anxiety | Parkinson's disease (PD) patients | - | mixed results | #2 |
acceptance and commitment therapy | neutral | anxiety | Parkinson's disease (PD) patients | - | under researched | #3 |
psychodrama psychotherapies | neutral | anxiety | Parkinson's disease (PD) patients | - | under researched | #4 |
remote delivery of psychotherapy interventions | neutral | - | Parkinson's disease (PD) patients | - | growing interest | #5 |
OBJECTIVES: Anxiety is common in Parkinson's disease (PD), negatively impacting daily functioning and quality of life in PD patients and their families. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of different psychotherapeutic approaches for reducing anxiety in PD and provides recommendations for clinical practise. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, 36 studies were included and risk of bias was evaluated. RESULTS: We identified cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapies, acceptance and commitment therapy, and psychodrama psychotherapies. There is good evidence-base for anxiety reduction using CBT approaches, but with mixed results for mindfulness-based therapies. Other therapeutic approaches were under researched. Most randomized control trials examined anxiety as a secondary measure. There was a paucity of interventions for anxiety subtypes. Secondarily, studies revealed the consistent exclusion of PD patients with cognitive concerns, an importance of care partner involvement, and a growing interest in remote delivery of psychotherapy interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Person-centered anxiety interventions tailored for PD patients, including those with cognitive concerns, and trials exploring modalities other than CBT, warrant future investigations. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Practitioners should consider PD-specific anxiety symptoms and cognitive concerns when treating anxiety. Key distinctions between therapeutic modalities, therapy settings and delivery methods should guide treatment planning.