Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

A Novel Approach to Assess Motor Outcome of Deep Brain Stimulation Effects in the Hemiparkinsonian Rat: Staircase and Cylinder Test
Published on: May 31, 2016
Novelty-seeking in Parkinson's disease after deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus: a case-control study
Secondo Fassino1, Giovanni Abbate Daga, Carla Gramaglia
1Dept. of Neuroscience, Psychiatric Institute, University of Turin, Via Cherasco Number 11, 10126, Torino, Italy. secondo.fassino@unito.it
Background:
The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity in Parkinson's disease (PD) is about 50%.
Objective:
The authors investigated differences among PD patients treated by deep brain stimulation (DBS), by drugs alone (noDBS), and healthy control subjects.
Method:
Samples of 22 subjects in each group were assessed with the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and Hamilton scales for anxiety and depression (Ham-A and Ham-D).
Results:
Higher scores emerged on two Novelty-Seeking subscales in PD-DBS patients. Ham-A and Ham-D scores were lower in PD-DBS patients than in PD-noDBS patients and control subjects. Rigidity and non-impulsiveness were lower in PD-DBS than in PD-noDBS patients.
Conclusion:
Further studies should investigate whether or not these changes in personality are a consequence of the motor and depression improvement after DBS.
Related Concept Videos
Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
Parkinson Disease l: Introduction
Parkinson's Disease: Overview
Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Neural Regulation

