Behavioral control of L-dopa induced dyskinesia in Parkinsonism

A patient experiencing L-dopa induced dyskinesia severe enough to prevent normal functioning was treated with behavior therapy utilizing meditation. The effects of treatment were assessed in a single case experimental design. Phase 1 consisted of baseline monitoring of severity and duration of episodes of left extremity jerking. During Phase 2, treatment was started with twice daily meditation for 30 minutes with an accompanying decrease in dose of daily L-dopa. Severity and duration of episodes were significantly reduced, and this was maintained through Phase 3 when the Phase 1 dose of L-dopa was reintroduced. The subject resumed normal functioning following treatment. A natural reversal occurred when he stopped meditating. During Phase 4, the recurrent high severity and duration of jerking were once again reduced when meditation was reinstated.