Long-term effects of STN DBS on mood: psychosocial profiles remain stable in a 3-year follow-up
2008

Long-term effects of STN DBS on mood in Parkinson's patients

Sample size: 33 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kaiser Iris, Kryspin-Exner Ilse, Brücke Thomas, Volc Dieter, Alesch François

Primary Institution: Medical University of Vienna

Hypothesis

What are the long-term effects of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation on mood and psychosocial functions in patients with Parkinson's disease?

Conclusion

No worsening in mood and psychosocial functions was found three years after STN DBS.

Supporting Evidence

  • Motor function significantly improved after surgery.
  • Mood and psychosocial functions improved at one year but returned to baseline at three years.
  • Patients can be assigned to four distinct psychosocial profiles that remained stable over time.
  • Patients with mild psychiatric disturbances should not be excluded from surgery.

Takeaway

Doctors used a special treatment to help people with Parkinson's disease, and they found that while some feelings got better for a little while, they went back to normal after three years.

Methodology

Self-rating questionnaires were administered to patients before and after surgery at multiple time points.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the self-reported nature of the questionnaires.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and some patients dropped out over time.

Participant Demographics

33 patients (22 men, 11 women) with advanced Parkinson's disease.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2377-8-43

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