Parkinson's and depression: A deadly combination for Robin Williams?

Robin Williams wife Susan Schneider released a statement Thursday revealing that the late actor had recently been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, prior to taking his life earlier this week.

Those who suffer with Parkinsons disease produce too little dopamine in parts of the brain. The deficiency of dopamine leads to problems with movement, including rigid muscles and tremors.

Parkinsons disease and major depression sometimes coexist and, when they do, they can make one another worse. People with both conditions, for example, tend to be more plagued with anxiety than either, alone. And people with both conditions can have even more trouble with movement than those with either, alone. The ability to concentrate may decline precipitously.

Interestingly (and, perhaps, tragically) a medication called ropinirole, which stimulates dopamine receptors in the brain, not only helps many people with early stage Parkinsons disease, but also helps some people with depression, when more traditional medications (like Prozac or Cymbalta) havent done an adequate job. If Williams had had the time to be adequately treated for his Parkinsons disease, it might have also helped his symptoms of depression.

Psychologically, of course, being diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, while already battling a history of substance dependence and major depression, could have felt like a crushing blow to Williams. I never spoke with him about his conditions, but I have treated others with both Parkinsons and depression who can feel doubly slowed down and spiraling downward, too. Thats why its so important in these cases to deploy treatment strategies that workand work fast.

For an actor, of course, the specter of Parkinsons disease is of special and great concern, because facial muscles can become immobilized, leading to the mask-like expression some people with the disease develop. I dont know, of course, whether Williams, through the distorted lens of depression and anxiety, saw that possibility as an unbearable one.

However, for those who might read about Williams conditions and worry that he made a reasoned assessment of his future and saw it without any light I promise you that his depression had stolen his ability to be rational about his prospects.

Many, many people with depression and Parkinsons disease, combined, defeat bothliving long and productive lives with real joy.

Dr. Keith Ablow is a psychiatrist and member of the Fox News Medical A-Team. Dr. Ablow can be reached at info@keithablow.com.

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Parkinson's and depression: A deadly combination for Robin Williams?