Visual hallucinations in parkinson's disease: Experience from a portuguese level 3 hospital. (13th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Quarenta, J.; Teixeira, T.; Martins, S.
• Is Part Of: European psychiatry. Volume 64:Supplement 1(2021)
• Page Start: S477
• Page End: S477
• Publication Date: 2021-04-13
• Subjects: Parkinson -- visual hallucionations; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.1273
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0924-9338

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative pathology characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. Hallucinations, especially visual ones, are frequent in this context, with an estimated prevalence of 16 to 40% and associated with a less favorable prognosis. These hallucinations can range from coarse formations to well-defined structures. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of visual hallucionations in a sample of patients diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in a Neurology Department of a Level III portuguese hospital. The sample included patients with Parkinson's Disease observed in an outpatient Neurology appointment between October 1 and December 9, 2019. Results: In the period considered, 100 patients with Parkinson's disease were observed, 65% male, with an average age of 69 years. In 11% of the patients visual hallucinations were reported, of which about half were well defined. All of them had no previous history of visual hallucinations and were under dopaminergic medication. Conclusions: The results show an inferior prevalence when comparing to the literature, albeit still frequent. Therapeutic adequacy has a well recognised impact at a functional level and prognosis. Therefore we stress the importance of a regular follow-up of these patients, recommending a rigorous and comprehensive clinical review.