Anxiety disorders are common in Parkinson's Disease (PD), but are not well-characterized. This study determined the prevalence and clinical correlates of all DSM-IV-TR anxiety disorder diagnoses in a sample of 127 subjects with idiopathic PD who underwent comprehensive assessments administered by a psychiatrist and neurologist. A panel of six psychiatrists with expertise in geriatric psychiatry and/or movement disorders established by consensus all psychiatric diagnoses. Current and lifetime prevalence of at least one anxiety disorder diagnosis was 43% (n=55) and 49% (n=63), respectively. Anxiety Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, a DSM diagnosis used for anxiety disturbances not meeting criteria for defined subtypes, was the most common diagnosis (30% lifetime prevalence, n=38). Compared to non-anxious subjects, panic disorder (n=13) was associated with earlier age of PD onset [50.3(12.2) vs. 61.0(13.7) years, p<.01], higher rates of motor fluctuations [77% (10/13) vs. 39% (25/64), p=.01] and morning dystonia [38% (5/13) vs. 13% (8/62), p<.03]. This high prevalence of anxiety disorders, including disturbances often not meeting conventional diagnostic criteria, suggests that anxiety in PD is likely under-diagnosed and under-treated and refined characterization of anxiety disorders in PD is needed. In addition, certain anxiety subtypes may be clinically useful markers associated with disease impact in PD.

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