Psychiatric Aspects of L-Dopa Therapy of Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

Psychiatric complications of L-dopa treatment of Parkinson's disease at our hospital were less frequent and severe than reported at other institutions. Psychosocial factors were much more prominent in the complications that did occur than a pharmacologic effect of L-dopa. Interest in the connections between L-dopa, catecholamine metabolism and emotional disorder should not lead to neglect of medical-psychological aspects of L-dopa therapy.