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Real members of MyParkinsonsTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Mood swings

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Downingtown, PA

My dad is having crazy mood swings. Same days he’s completely himself; able to use a the walker with no assistance. Other days he’s hallucinating and can’t get up at all. Sometimes the mood swings are only an hour apart and polar opposites. Is this normal? Could it be caused from something else or is this just life now?

April 28
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Reactions
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I see a psychiatrist who specializes with the geriatric population and is very knowledgeable about Parkinson’s. He has prescribed me Ritalin in addition to my Duloxetine. The Ritalin improves my cognitive function and focus. Keep in mind that just because this combination works for me, everyone can respond differently to medications.
Also I’ve so far only had hallucinations when I had Serotonin Syndrome or been given an opioid. All hallucination activity should be reported to your doctor.

May 13
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Downingtown! I live in Parkesburg!

April 28
MyParkinsonsTeam

What your dad is going through sounds really exhausting for both of you, and it's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed. The good news is that these kinds of dramatic swings — including hallucinations, mood changes, and physical fluctuations — are recognized parts of Parkinson's progression, so you're not imagining Show Full Answer

What your dad is going through sounds really exhausting for both of you, and it's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed. The good news is that these kinds of dramatic swings — including hallucinations, mood changes, and physical fluctuations — are recognized parts of Parkinson's progression, so you're not imagining it.

Parkinson's causes a drop in dopamine, which affects both movement AND mood. This is a big reason why someone can seem totally fine one hour and completely different the next. The hallucinations are also worth paying close attention to. They can be triggered or worsened by a few things:

- Medication timing or dosage — [[treatment:Levodopa/Carbidopa:55d534f51fcaa397470006dd]] and similar medications sometimes need adjusting as Parkinson's progresses
- Sleep disruption — poor sleep can intensify both mood and hallucinations
- Brain chemistry changes from Parkinson's itself

The important thing to know is that hallucinations and mood swings are often *treatable*. Studies show only 10–20% of people with Parkinson's feel comfortable discussing these symptoms with their doctor — but many can be managed with the right care. A strong next step would be to speak with his neurologist as soon as possible. Be specific — track the timing, frequency, and what the hallucinations involve. This detail really helps doctors make medication adjustments.

In the meantime, when hallucinations happen:

- Stay calm and respond gently
- Don't argue or try to reason with him about what's real
- Use distraction to help him settle
- Keep the environment safe

April 28

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