Although the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) involve motor functions such as tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement and loss of postural reflex, there are other neurological and psychiatric symptoms present in later stages of the disease which point to definite changes in brain function and personality of PD patients.
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There are various psychosocial factors that may lead to substance abuse and subsequent addiction and Parkinson’s patients are not immune to these pitfalls. However, it is interesting to not that some studies have shown that patients with Parkinson’s disease seem to have a low sensation seeking and a more law abiding personality trait which could protect them against the pitfalls of substance abuse and addiction.
When other factors are involved, such as the side effects of some anti-Parkinson medicines or other drugs, depression and other psychosocial factors which may be unique to a patient suffering with a disease like Parkinson’s disease, substance abuse can become a real possibility.
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Compulsive behavior, though not common, sometimes occurs in patients with Parkinson’s disease and is more likely to be associated with those on treatment with dopamine agonists, although other types of anti-Parkinson drugs may be implicated too. These impulse-control disorders are seen more often in men than in women and are more common in patients with young-onset Parkinson’s disease and may be accompanied by psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, or mood disorders such as depression or anxiety.
