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Updated: Apr 13, 2026

MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry of Neuropeptides in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: February 14, 2012
ON-OFF Effects of Dopaminergic Therapy on Psychiatric Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease
Hooman Ganjavi1, Penny A MacDonald
1From the Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada (HG); The Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada (PAM); and Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada (PAM).
Abstract:
Psychiatric manifestations of Parkinson's disease (PD) are a cause of significant disability and the impact of dopaminergic medications is unclear. Using standardized rating scales, the authors tested the hypothesis that anxiety, depression, and apathy vary in the ON versus OFF states in PD in 33 PD patients and 29 healthy age- and education-matched controls. PD patients had significantly higher anxiety, depression, and apathy scores than control participants, regardless of ON-OFF state. Anxiety scores were higher in PD patients on relative to off dopaminergic medication. The ON-OFF difference in anxiety related to degree of improvement in motor function but not illness duration.
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