Managing the neuropsychiatric symptoms of Parkinson's disease

Neuropsychiatric symptoms frequently complicate the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Approximately 27% of PD patients are demented, and approximately 19% are cognitively impaired without being demented. These 46% of patients are prone to development of delirium when they take antiparkinsonian drugs. Approximately 40% of PD patients are depressed. The depression may be endogenous or exogenous, apathetic or agitated. Approximately 40% of PD patients are anxious or have panic attacks. The attacks may or may not be associated with depression. This article reviews the diagnosis of these symptoms and discusses their management.