Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Parkinson’s disease: Beyond Complications - Abstract
n this viewpoint, we present the position that many neuropsychiatric phenomena in
Parkinson’s disease (PD), which are often referred to as complications, mightbe more usefully
conceptualised as symptoms, since they stem from the pervasive pattern of neurodegeneration
and multiple neurotransmitter system compromise seen in the disease. We discuss psychosis,
sleep disturbance, depression, and dementia within this framework, dissociating these from
impulse control disorders which appear to stand alone as iatrogenic complications. We
conclude that evolving the concept of the disease to encompass neuropsychiatric phenomena
as bona fide symptoms will improve their management and ultimately lead to improved
quality of life for patients with PD.