2. Anger
When someone with Parkinson’s becomes angry or frustrated — for example, after they’ve had a difficult conversation with a caregiver — they may experience more severe dyskinesia, says Dr. Poston.
“Anything that prompts the release of adrenaline is likely to make dyskinesia worse,” she says.
This is because strong feelings of anger can trigger the release of the brain chemical norepinephrine (the fight-or-flight response), which increases involuntary movement.
Calming activities such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, massage, and breath work exercises can lessen your sympathetic nervous system’s responses to emotional situations and help you manage your dyskinesia.
Parkinson’s is a challenge not only for people who have the disease but also for caregivers and families. Communication is key in avoiding misunderstandings and conflicts, which can lead to anger, says Cathi A. Thomas, RN, assistant professor of neurology and program director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center at Boston University Medical Campus in Boston. “We have a lot of programs for newly diagnosed people [with Parkinson’s], and we offer support groups to help them cope better,” she says.
