Work

Identifying barriers to help-seeking for non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease have a significant impact on quality of life. Despite this, many non-motor symptoms remain unreported by patients and consequently untreated. This study explored barriers to help-seeking using two theoretical frameworks, the Common Sense Model of illness perception and Theoretical Domains Framework. A total of 20 participants completed semi-structured interviews to explore symptom beliefs and help-seeking behaviour. Uncertainty about the relationship of non-motor symptoms to Parkinson's disease and lack of clarity around treatments were common. Embarrassment and communication difficulties were common for potentially sensitive symptoms such as sexual dysfunction. Symptom perceptions and beliefs about help-seeking acted as barriers to reporting non-motor symptoms.

Source: Journal of Health Psychology

DOI: 10.1177/1359105316683239

Authors: Catherine S Hurt, Lorna Rixon, K Ray Chaudhuri, Rona Moss-Morris, Mike Samuel, Richard G Brown

Institutions: City, University of London, King's College London, King's College Hospital, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Language: English

Topic: Parkinson's Disease Mechanisms and Treatments

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green