Demoralization Distinct From Depression in Parkinson's Disease
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Not all mental illness in Parkinson's disease (PD) is depression, new research suggests. Results of a new study show that 18% of people with PD experience demoralization characterized by symptoms such as helplessness, hopelessness, and/or a sense of failure — a rate more than double that found in a control group. Demoralization is distinct in PD, the investigators note, although it can occur alongside depression. Among 17 people with demoralization, 29% did not have depression. Similarly, 36% of 19 participants with depression did not meet the criteria for demoralization.
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@monami-s The subtle distinction between demoralization and depression is that often those demoralized do not understand what should be done to better themselves, whereas persons who are depressed may have such understanding, but lack motivation to act on this