Working with People with Parkinson’s and Their Families: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals

Developed by PASD Multidisciplinary Team

Course content available in transcripts and video.

Not included in Membership

Note that the $150 fee for the course includes a $100 donation to the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego. In the addendum are tips on how to obtain referrals through local Parkinson’s Association’s referral system as well as other sources.

Tokens & Coupons cannot be used on this course.

There is a great need for mental health professionals to whom referrals can be made to provide assessments and care for patients, care givers, and families affected by Parkinson’s Disease. This intermediate level course was developed by the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego in collaboration with Zur Institute in an effort to train mental health professionals on the behavioral and mental health needs and best practices for working with this population.

Parkinson’s Disease is a complex degenerative neurological disease which requires a multidisciplinary approach to treatment and for which there is no cure. This course consists of engaging video interviews with members of a team of specialists – a neurologist, a nurse practitioner, a neuropsychologist, a clinical psychologist, and a social worker. They provide a broad base of information about the motor and non-motor symptoms of the disease, an overview of contemporary thought about etiology, and differential diagnoses. In addition, they describe cognitive decline and other associated neurological conditions that impact mental health treatment. Next, they address multidisciplinary needs, such as financial challenges, exercise, and social resources, that affect the entire family. Finally, they provide specific guidance on conducting mental health sessions with clients and their care partners and families. Additional information from the American Parkinson’s Disease Association’s website is included to highlight specific areas of mental health that therapists commonly address across the course of the illness.

Educational Objectives

This course will teach the participant to:

Define and explain Parkinson’s disease and its motor symptoms.
Describe non-motor and cognitive symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Discuss the importance of medication adherence, exercise, and financial management in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease
Identify and apply tools and techniques mental health professionals can use when treating people with Parkinson’s as well as their care partners and families.

Syllabus

Section I

What IS Parkinson’s disease and what is it NOT?
- general characteristics, early signs, and course of illness
- differential diagnoses
- Parkinson’s versus nonspecific umbrella term, Parkinsonism
Known and suspected causes of Parkinson’s disease
- familial/genetic
- environmental/idiopathic (e.g., pesticides, fertilizers, toxic chemicals)
Common motor and non-motor symptoms across the course of Parkinson’s disease
Drug-induced Parkinsonism (e.g., antipsychotic, anti-nausea medications)
Sleep issues
- REM sleep disorder
- sleep fragmentation
Cognitive issues and challenges related to traditional psychotherapies
- executive difficulties as early indicators of Parkinson’s disease
- depression and anxiety as manifestations of illness, not just reaction to it
- cognitive decline and dementia that occur with advanced disease
- implications and tools for mental health professionals
Neurobehavioral symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
- hallucinations/delusions
- mood disorders
- anxiety

Section II

Atypical Parkinsonisms
Multidisciplinary approach to treatment
- physical therapy
- occupational therapy
- speech therapy
- mental health professionals
- social work resources for family and care partners
- palliative care
Parkinson’s medications and the family
Financial challenges of living with Parkinson’s
Importance of exercise and overcoming barriers
Social and psychological resources

Section III

Typical issues in an individual counseling session
- addressing trauma of diagnosis
- isolation, depression, anxiety
- impact on work and family life
Working with the family in counseling
- “caregiver” versus “care partner”
- advocating for support outlets for care partners
- client’s apathy and impact on spousal relationship
- stigma related to physical and cognitive decline
- special considerations for early-onset Parkinson’s disease and later-stage Parkinson’s disease
General Principles When Facing Mental Health Issues in Parkinson’s Disease
Conclusion

Addendum: Tips for Obtaining Referrals

PAR101

October 11, 2023