Many people are aware of Parkinson’s symptoms such as tremors but few are aware of that psychosis may occur.
As Parkinson’s Disease progresses, up to 40 percent of the approximately one million Americans living with the illness will develop psychotic symptoms, primarily hallucinations, but also delusions. These symptoms can be an indication of Parkinson’s disease psychosis (PDP), but unfortunately, many patients are not diagnosed. What
Psychosis generally means “loss of reality testing.” Psychotic symptoms may be brought on by infections or by mediations that treat Parkinson’s Disease. It’s also possible that the psychosis might be a naturally occurring complication as the disease progresses.
Even with a stable medication regimen hallucinations may occur because the PD is always progressing, making patients more sensitive to possible drug(s) side- effects. Hallucinations tend to occur more at night than during the day and are usually the same each time. Auditory hallucinations, or hearing things that are not there is less common.
Delusions are false, irrational beliefs. Some people with PDF develop paranoia.
For more information about PDP, visit the Parkinson’s Foundation website.
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