Treatment with deep brain stimulation improved motor function and quality of life, but depression scores increased after 1 year, based on data from 20 adults.
Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) has emerged as an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease symptoms, with evidence supporting improved motor symptoms and quality of life, wrote Francesca Mameli, PsyD, of Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, and colleagues.
However, the effect of STN-DBS on personality in Parkinson's disease (PD) has not been well investigated they said.
In a study published in Neuromodulation, the researchers reviewed data from 12 women and 8 men with PD who underwent bilateral STN-DBS.
Dr Francesca Mameli
Depression was assessed via the Montgomery-Asberg Depressive Rating Scale (MADRS), personality characteristics were assessed via the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI-2), and motor disabilities were assessed via UPDRS-III-Motor. The motor disabilities score was obtained in medication on and medication off conditions; the off condition followed a 12-hour overnight withdrawal of dopaminergic medication. Quality of life was assessed via the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire–8 (PDQ-8).
After 12 months, scores on the MMPI-2 were significantly higher on the D subscale, increased from a baseline mean of 56.05 to a 12-month mean of 61.90 (P= .015).
