Abstract 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.
Speelberg et al. (Sat,) studied this question.