Body awareness training in the treatment of wearing-off related anxiety in patients with Parkinson's disease: Results from a pilot randomized controlled trial

In Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, fluctuations in symptoms commonly occur after many years of dopamine replacement therapy. The so-called wearing-off phenomenon exists of both motor and non-motor symptoms, such as rigidity and anxiety. Current treatment options are limited and an integrated approach is needed to address the complex interactions between motor and non-motor symptoms. Since wearing-off is eventually inevitable, treatment needs to focus on coping, acceptance and self-efficacy. We developed the body awareness training, named BEWARE, combining physical therapy with acceptance and commitment therapy to help PD patients deal better with wearing-off related anxiety (WRA).

Source: Journal of Psychosomatic Research - September 20, 2017 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Ires Ghielen, Erwin E.H. van Wegen, Sonja Rutten, Cees J.T. de Goede, Marieke Houniet-de Gier, Emma H. Collette, Ingrid A.L. Burgers-Bots, Jos W.R. Twisk, Gert Kwakkel, Kees Vermunt, Bep van Vliet, Henk W. Berendse, Odile A. van den Heuvel Source Type: research