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Subjectively perceived personality and mood changes associated with subthalamic stimulation in patients with Parkinson's disease

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Thomas Meyer

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Abstract

Background. Clinical and ethical implications of personality and mood changes in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients treated with subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) are under debate. Although subjectively perceived personality changes are often mentioned by patients and caregivers, few empirical studies concerning these changes exist. Therefore, we analysed subjectively perceived personality and mood changes in STN-DBS PD patients.Method. In this prospective study of the ELSA-DBS group, 27 PD patients were assessed preoperatively and 1 year after STN-DBS surgery. Two categories, personality and mood changes, were analysed with semi-structured interviews. Patients were grouped into personality change yes/no, as well as positive/negative mood change groups. Caregivers were additionally interviewed about patients' personality changes. Characteristics of each group were assessed with standard neurological and psychiatric measurements. Predictors for changes were analysed.Results. Personality changes were perceived by six of 27 (22%) patients and by 10 of 23 caregivers (44%). The preoperative hypomania trait was a significant predictor for personality change perceived by patients. Of 21 patients, 12 (57%) perceived mood as positively changed. Higher apathy and anxiety ratings were found in the negative change group.Conclusions. Our results show that a high proportion of PD patients and caregivers perceived personality changes under STN-DBS, emphasizing the relevance of this topic. Mood changed in positive and negative directions. Standard measurement scales failed to adequately reflect personality or mood changes subjectively perceived by patients. A more individualized preoperative screening and preparation for patients and caregivers, as well as postoperative support, could therefore be useful.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Lewis CJ, Maier F, Horstkotter N, Zywczok A, Witt K, Eggers C, Meyer TD, Dembek TA, Maarouf M, Moro E, Zurowski M, Woopen C, Kuhn J, Timmermann L

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Psychological Medicine

Year: 2015

Volume: 45

Issue: 1

Pages: 73-85

Print publication date: 01/01/2015

Online publication date: 12/05/2014

Acceptance date: 10/04/2014

ISSN (print): 0033-2917

ISSN (electronic): 1469-8978

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0033291714001081

DOI: 10.1017/S0033291714001081


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
German Parkinson's disease foundation (Deutsche Parkinson Vereinigung e.V.; dPV)
01GP0806Canadian Institute of Health Research

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