Managing idiopathic Parkinson's disease in patients with schizophrenic disorders

Abstract

There is very little data on the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) in patients with schizophrenia. Since schizophrenia is treated primarily with dopamine receptor blocking medications, it is unknown if the beneficial effects of anti-PD medications might be blocked or if the drugs may trigger worsened psychosis. A chart review was performed which identified nine patients with schizophrenia and presumed Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease (IPD). None of the patients suffered worsened psychosis from l-Dopa or a dopamine agonist if taking antipsychotics, and motor response did not appear blunted.