Aim
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is actually considered a neuropsychiatric disorder, characterized by cognitive deficits, affective and behavioural disturbances. These factors contribute to determine the quality of life of PD patients. This review aims to present and discuss recent findings about neuropsychiatric disorders and behavioral disturbances in patients with PD.
Methods
Analysis of the evidence from literature databases (PubMed, PsycInfo) regarding neuropsychiatric disorders and behavioral disturbances of patients with Parkinson’s disease, retrieval of appropriate papers and summary and analysis of their findings.
Results
PD patients are affected by several neuropsychiatric disturbances, like mood disorders, apathy, alexithymia, anxiety disorders, and psychosis. An increasingly diagnosed entity is that of Impulse Control Disorders, probably related to dopaminergic treatment, that increases impulsiveness in these patients (Table I).
Conclusions
Neuropsychiatric features of PD patients suggest the usefulness of neuropsychiatric assessment in this clinical population.