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With deep hope that I don't offend anyone: I'm speaking only for myself and what I've observed in my own family. My mother, a certified genius and one of the most stabile people I've ever met, became increasingly anxious as her PD progressed. Toward her end the combination of physical decline and increasing medication took a definite toll on her mental health and happiness. My sister has undoubtedly been affected as her PD has progressed. Like the more obvious physical symptoms, her emotional and cognitive strength seems to ebb and flow. She has tried hard to find competant psychiatric help, but it's not easy. I think she's on a good track. In my opinion it takes a medical practitioner's expertise with PD and the meds combined with an experienced therapist, all rolled into one. I'll let you know when we find one. My brother Bob, who is vocationally disabled with PD and exhausted much of the time, seems completely unaffected mentally, or at least cognitively. His mental keel is deep in the water as best I can tell. Good luck to you and your boyfriend. Beware of efforts to self-medicate or vary the doses without at least letting others know when and why. I wish you both well. John in Flint, MI -----Original Message----- From: Elaine Feldman <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]> Date: Thursday, October 30, 2003 2:02 AM Subject: Psychotherapy and Parkinson's Hi everyone, My boyfriend who was diagnosed with Parkinson's 10 years ago has been in extensive therapy since August for issues seemingly unrelated to Parkinson's. These issues, as far as I am aware, are relatively minor when the whole picture is looked at. I say seemingly unrelated because I met him three years ago and therefore did not know him before he was diagnosed with Parkinson's. He is undergoing this therapy in another state and at this point in time is extremely stressed out which has me very concerned. The therapy is supposed to continue until the end of the year. I have asked my boyfriend to consult with his MD and neurologist and have suggested that his therapist might communicate with them also. I did this at the beginning of his therapy and he thought it was a good idea but nothing has been done. He is very stubborn and if I push too hard he will dig his heels in. I am very concerned about his therapist's methodology and motives and will be happy to expand on this if there is anyone out there who feels they may have some words of wisdom for me. I asked him several weeks ago if Parkinson's was ever discussed ( he has group as well as one-on-one therapy sessions) and his reply was "not much". Should I just let this ride out or what? Elaine ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn