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This paper reports a study, using systematic observation, interview, and psychological examination, in a sampIe of 34 patients receiving L-dopa for parkinsonism. Our results do not support the suggestion that disturbances of mood and behavior are to be expected. IVe concluded that the chances of adverse emotional side reactions to L-dopa appear to be minimal when the dosage level does not exceed 4 Gm. per day and the subjects are emotionally stable prior to treatment, It is now apparent that L-dopa is oE more therapeutie value to patients with parkinsonism than any other drug now available. Although L-dopa has proved to be effective, there are eontinuing clinieal reports of disturbanees in mood and behavior assoeiated with therapy.l, 3,4 These disturbanees range from inereased restlessness, agitation, irritability, and suspieiousness to delirium and frankly psyehotie paranoia and hallucination. In aseries of 104 patients 2 there were 4 instanees of lethargy, 7 of sleeplessness and agitation, 3 of confusion, and 2 of paranoid psychosis during the early stage of treatment. In 86 patients reeeiving long-term treatment, there were 3 instances of lethargy, 4 of sleeplessness and agitation, 3 of confusion, and 1 of paranoid psychosis.Although emotional disturbances are per-Supported in part by a gift from Mrs. Stanley Keith to the Psychology Research Fund.