Hallucinations are, indeed, a part of the condition, says Matthew Barrett, MD, an assistant professor of neurology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. “These symptoms may be worsened by certain medications,” he says, “but if symptoms become bothersome, there are other medications that can help.” So be sure to tell your doctor about your symptoms. Meanwhile, here are some strategies that might help ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s related psychosis.
1. Talk to your doctor about adjusting your medications.
Some medications can worsen psychotic symptoms — and if that’s the case, your doctor may decide to change your treatment regimen. For example, treatments that enhance dopamine in the brain help with the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but they can worsen psychotic behaviors, says Alberto J. Espay, MD, a professor of neurology at the University of Cincinnati. Drugs with anticholinergic effects, such as some bladder control medications, can also be linked with hallucinations or delusions, he says. Your doctor might also add an antipsychotic medication to the mix. Remember: Only stop taking a medication if your healthcare provider tells you to. Do not try to do this on your own.
2. Address possible underlying causes.
Sometimes underlying health problems, from acute infections to metabolic changes, can be linked with psychosis, says Dr. Espay. When people develop unexpected psychotic symptoms, Espay says he sometimes orders blood tests to check for infections or changes in kidney or liver function in his patients that may contribute to a change in symptoms.
3. Keep your home well lit.
A dark environment may be associated with increased hallucinations, says Dr. Barrett. “For some people, increased lighting may help,” he says. “However, this could also have a negative effect on sleep, so it should be approached with that in mind.” After all, adequate sleep can help you feel better, he says. Talk with your doctor about adjustments that might work for you.
4. Avoid your triggers.
“Some people experience hallucinations or delusions that are linked to a certain place,” says Barrett. Although it may not always be practical, he says, you may want to avoid the setting in which hallucinations occur, where possible.
5. Lean on your support system.
If you want help identifying whether hallucinations are real, ask your caregiver, says Barrett. A 2018 study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry also suggests that talking with other people who experience similar symptoms may help you cope with Parkinson’s related visual hallucinations.
6. Remind yourself of the truths you know.
A landmark study published in 2003 in the journal Movement Disorders suggests that people with visual hallucinations in Parkinson’s related psychosis most commonly use cognitive coping strategies, such as flipping on the lights and noting that the hallucinations are not real.
