From accepting to distancing as different coping strategies in persons with young onset Parkinson’s disease

People with young onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) encounter unique challenges. Coping is therefore vitally important to effectively manage stressors. We thematically analyzed 17 semi-structured interviews regarding coping strategies. In cohort data (YOPD n = 74, late onset PD n = 214), we analyzed the frequency of coping styles. Most people with YOPD used a mixture of five styles: (1) taking action, (2) distancing, (3) mental solutions, (4) social support, and (5) coming to terms. Within these styles, we identified 28 different strategies, and described how participants apply these in a flexible manner. We found an association between a higher use of coping through distancing and psychological distress and used qualitative interview data to explore a possible bidirectional relationship. This study offers a first indication of how people cope with YOPD. The observed association between distancing and distress should be studied further. If found to be causal, coping flexibility might become a potential interventional target.