Neuropsychiatric Issues in Parkinson Disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article reviews the recognition and management of neuropsychiatric issues in Parkinson disease (PD), including mood disorders, cognitive impairment, and behavioral disturbances.

RECENT FINDINGS: Patients with PD frequently develop neuropsychiatric issues, and these issues can greatly affect their quality of life. In recent years, mood, cognitive, and behavioral issues in PD have received greater recognition, with increasing attention directed toward improved screening and therapeutic interventions for symptomatic treatment. Taken together as a group, neuropsychiatric issues can be found throughout the whole course of PD, from early in the disease, potentially even in a premotor stage, to the time of diagnosis and later in the course with more advanced disease.

SUMMARY: In the comprehensive care of patients with PD, recognition of neuropsychiatric issues is critical. Advances in therapeutics for the different neuropsychiatric symptoms are still needed, although several pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options are available. Patient management frequently requires a multidisciplinary approach, with collaboration of neurologists with neuropsychologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other health professionals.