Living life while battling a movement disorder is not at all easy. Be it Dystonia or Parkinson’s disease, every disorder comes with its own set of challenges. But keeping the physical challenges aside, let us tell you how these affect the patient’s mental health as well. This World Movement Disorders Day — observed on November 29 every year to raise awareness about various movement disorders — let us tell you more about how Dystonia or Parkinson’s disease impact the patient’s mental health.
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To get a better understanding of this, the editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to Dr Neha Pandita, Consultant Neurology, Fortis Noida. Read ahead.
Understanding Dystonia And Parkinson's Disease
Let us begin by understanding what Dystonia and Parkinson's disease are.
Dystonia is a movement disorder. It causes the muscles to contract, and can cause twisting motions or other movements that occur repeatedly and are not under the person's control. Dystonia has no cure, but with medicines and therapy, one can improve symptoms. Sometimes, in case of serious dystonia, surgery is used to disable or regulate nerves or certain brain regions.
Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder of the nervous system. It worsens over time. Its symptoms begin slowly. It may cause tremor, stiffness, slowing of movement and trouble with balance. This disease too has no cure, but medicines may help deal with its symptoms. Surgery is at times suggested to help control parts of the brain and lessen its symptoms.
Does Dystonia Affect Mental Health?
Now, let us see how dystonia can impact the patient’s mental health.
“Dystonia significantly affects the mental health of the patient, as chronic pain, contractions of muscles at any time, and functional limitations normally create stress, frustration, and lowered self-esteem,” Dr Pandita.
She adds, “Many patients also report being troubled by symptoms related to anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal because of embarrassment or fear of these symptoms happening in public. The emotional burden may be lessened with supportive care, counseling, and effective management of symptoms.”
Does Parkinson’s Impact Mental Health?
Not just Dystonia, Parkinson’s disease also affects a patient’s wellbeing and state of mind.
“The factors commonly affecting the mental health of a Parkinson's patient include neurochemical changes, physical constraints, and difficulties in carrying out daily activities. Early or progressive symptoms include depression, anxiety, apathy, and a change in cognition. It goes without saying that early detection and proper treatment of these emotional symptoms are to be accorded, with support and alterations in lifestyle helping to maintain emotional health,” explains Dr Pandita.
Also Read: Parkinson's Vs. Dystonia: How Are The Two Neurological Conditions Different?
How Movement Disorders Impact Mental Health
If you are wondering what the link is between movement disorders and mental health, our expert answers it for you too.
“They have a major impact on mental health because they take a toll on the self-concept of independence and social interaction. Many symptoms become sources of embarrassment, isolation, or a modification of activities that add stress. Chronic pain and fatigue contribute to emotional distress. Anxiety and depression may follow with time. Wellness requires combined medical, psychological, and social support, which is needed for optimal health,” shares Dr Pandita.
Tips For Patients To Take Care Of Mental Health
On this note, Dr Pandita shares tips to take care of your own mental health if you are suffering from a movement disorder.
Patients with Parkinson's disease can maintain good mental health by:
- Socially participating.
- Exercising on a regular basis.
- Engaging in mindful activities or relaxation.
- Stress can be minimised through a rigid routine.
- Seeking counseling or joining a support group.
- Mood changes shared openly with doctors, done early, facilitate early treatment to make the patient emotionally resilient, which entails a better quality of life.
Patients with Dystonia can maintain good mental health by:
- Learning strategies to handle symptoms.
- Developing a care team supportive of their needs may help them relate to others who face similar challenges.
- Stress-reduction activities such as meditation or easy exercises may help.
- Anxiety and depression therapy may help; along with continuity of meaningful activity, and recognition of personal gains.
“One needs to empower the person emotionally and in daily life as well, to help them with their mental health,” concludes Dr Pandita.
Also Read: World Movement Disorders Day 2025: How Lifestyle Changes Can Slow The Progression Of Parkinson's
The Final Word
Dystonia significantly affects the mental health of the patient, as chronic pain, contractions of muscles at any time, and functional limitations normally create stress, frustration, and lowered self-esteem. The factors commonly affecting the mental health of a Parkinson's patient include neurochemical changes, physical constraints, and difficulties in carrying out daily activities.
FAQ
What is movement disorder?
Movement disorders are neurological conditions that cause abnormal, involuntary, or slowed movements, resulting from a problem in the part of the nervous system that controls voluntary movement.Can depression cause dystonia?
The relationship between dystonia, depression, and anxiety is complex. Research demonstrates that in some cases, depression and anxiety may develop in response to dystonia.Does Parkinson's cause mental problems?
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health symptoms that affect people with Parkinson's.
How we keep this article up to date:
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Current Version
Nov 29, 2025 15:05 IST
Published By : Shruti Das