MANAGING THE NEUROPSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS OF PARKINSONS-DISEASE

Neuropsychiatric symptoms frequently complicate the treatment of Parki nson's disease (PD). Approximately 27% of PD patients are demented, an d approximately 19% are cognitively impaired without being demented. T hese 46% of patients are prone to development of delirium when they ta ke antiparkinsonian drugs. Approximately 40% of PD patients are depres sed. The depression may be endogenous or exogenous, apathetic or agita ted. Approximately 40% of PD patients are anxious or have panic attack s. The attacks may or may not be associated with depression. This arti cle reviews the diagnosis of these symptoms and discusses their manage ment.