Parkinson's disease: The quintessential neuropsychiatric disorder

• Published in: Movement disorders 2011-05, Vol.26 (6), p.1022-1031
• Main Authors: Weintraub, Daniel, Burn, David J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cognition Disorders - etiology; Cognition Disorders - history; Deep Brain Stimulation - methods; Degenerative and inherited degenerative diseases of the nervous system. Leukodystrophies. Prion diseases; dementia; Dementia - complications; depression; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Humans; Medical sciences; Neurology; neuropsychiatric; Parkinson Disease - complications; Parkinson Disease - history; Parkinson Disease - therapy; Parkinson's; psychosis; Psychotic Disorders - etiology; Psychotic Disorders - history
• ISSN: 0885-3185; 1531-8257
• DOI: 10.1002/mds.23664

Although diagnosed by characteristic motor features, Parkinson's disease may be preceded, and is frequently accompanied by, a wide range of cognitive and neuropsychiatric features. In addition to the most commonly studied disorders of dementia, depression, and psychosis, other relatively common and clinically significant psychiatric complications include impulse control disorders, anxiety symptoms, disorders of sleep and wakefulness, and apathy. These problems may be underrecognized and are frequently undertreated. The emergent focus on nonmotor aspects of Parkinson's disease over the past quarter of a century is highlighted by a nonlinear increase in the number of articles published devoted to this topic. Although the development of newer antidepressants, atypical antipsychotics, and cholinesterase inhibitors in recent years has had a positive benefit on the management of these troublesome and distressing symptoms, responses are frequently suboptimal, and this remains an area of major unmet therapeutic need. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society