Objective: In this study, we aim to evaluate whether patients perceived stress more than healthy controls and what symptoms were correlated with this stress by assessing patients and healthy controls after the conflict between Iran and Israel that occurred from June 13 to 25, 2025.

Background: Various stressors and social disruptions can worsen symptoms of chronic neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), a common disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms and a leading cause of disability worldwide.

Method: Following a 12-day Iran–Israel conflict, 81 patients with confirmed Parkinson’s disease attending a movement disorders clinic were evaluated and compared with 74 healthy controls. Psychological impact was measured using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), while changes in PD symptoms were recorded and correlated with IES-R scores.

Results: After adjustment for age and gender, PD patients exhibited significantly lower stress levels (IES-R 18.5) than healthy controls (IES-R 31.6; p=0.01). Nevertheless, many patients reported symptom exacerbation (tremor 38%, bradykinesia 37%, anxiety requiring treatment 30%) and difficulties with healthcare access. Regression analyses revealed that worsening of tremor, bradykinesia, falls, and anxiety strongly predicted higher IES-R scores (all p<0.05). Overall, PD patients demonstrated greater psychological resilience, except in those experiencing motor or anxiety deterioration, who showed increased distress.

Conclusion: Despite documented symptom worsening, PD patients experienced less event-related stress than healthy controls. This may reflect reduced social isolation during the conflict, as families and friends gathered together in safer areas, potentially protecting against war-induced psychological stress.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-effects-of-war-on-patients-with-parkinsons-disease/