Symptom 9: Mood Disorders – The Emotional Rollercoaster of Synucleinopathy
Another critical element in the constellation of synucleinopathy symptoms is mood disorders. These include a range of emotional disturbances such as depression, anxiety, and apathy, which can significantly impact an individual’s emotional health and overall quality of life.
Mood disorders in synucleinopathy can be subtle at first. You might notice a low mood, lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, or feelings of worry and restlessness. It’s as if a gray cloud has descended, casting a shadow over everything.
Again, the α-synuclein proteins play a key role in these emotional changes. They interfere with the neurons responsible for regulating mood, causing a sort of emotional storm within the individual. It’s like the weather changing unpredictably, making it hard to plan or carry on with everyday life.
As synucleinopathy progresses, these mood disorders can become more severe. Occasional sadness might deepen into clinical depression, characterized by persistent low mood, feelings of hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in most activities. Anxiety might escalate, leading to constant worry, restlessness, and physical symptoms like a racing heart or shortness of breath.
Though challenging to deal with, recognizing mood disorders can significantly contribute to our understanding of synucleinopathy. It underscores the fact that synucleinopathy is not just a physical condition but a mental and emotional one as well, necessitating a comprehensive approach to management that addresses these various facets. (9)
