[Disorders affecting the emotional sphere and impulse control in Parkinson's disease]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with mood and behavioral symptoms contributing to morbidity and reduced quality of life of the patients. Most characteristic are depression, anxiety and impulse control disorder.

Identification and treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms is necessary for an appropriate management of PD. Affective symptoms may be the initial manifestation of PD, are highly prevalent and pathogenically complex. Impulse control disorders are usually not a spontaneous complaint, so asking about these symptoms may be the only way to detect and treat a serious socio-familial problem. Pharmacological treatment of these manifestations is difficult to balance with an adequate control of motor symptoms. Psychological support from early stages and throughout the evolution of PD is fundamental.

Neurologist and other healthcare professionals treating PD patients need to be aware of behavioral and emotional manifestations of the disease. This will lead to an appropriate patient management and better adaptation of the familial and social situation.