Suggest treatment for freezing in a Parkinson s patient
Patient: Hi my name is Cory. I have a friend who is 44 years of age and was diagnosed with Parkinson s Disease in 2012. He is not wheelchair bound yet. He is getting medications. He is now seeing a neuropsychiatrist. He also suffers from high anxiety and depression on a scale 1-10 his anxiety is a 10. Many times during the day or evening he experiences his body freezing up and not being able to move. This last from anywhere from 45min to 3 hours. Does Parkinson s Disease cause freeze ups for this long? Or is it possible in my friend s case that it may be psychiatric? Thank You Doctor: Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.  This does not have the description of a PD patient.  Freezing is not that long and is usually related to when the patient is walking in Parkinson's Disease....it's called GAIT FREEZING.  Has this person been checked for STIFF PERSON SYNDROME?  That is what I would check.  If you're asking about whether the person could have a psychiatric condition that causes or contributes to this picture then, the answer is "yes." Psychiatric disease can cause whole or partial body immobility that lasts up to hours.  It is referred to as CATATONIA.  However, if it is true freezing as in real live boardlike rigidity then, go with STIFF PERSON SYNDROME.  If they are simply immobile and unresponsive then, CATATONIA.  Please rate this a 5 STAR ENCOUNTER and write me at:  www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi with more comments/questions.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.