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Published on: May 31, 2016
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Performance Validity in Deep Brain Stimulation Candidates.
Maria A Rossetti1, Robert L Collins2, Michele K York2
1Mental Health Care Line, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 7703, USA.
Summary
This study examined performance validity tests (PVT) in individuals with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery evaluation. Most candidates demonstrated adequate effort, suggesting PVTs are valuable in this motivated, at-risk population.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Effort and motivation significantly impact neuropsychological test performance.
- Performance validity tests (PVT) assess response consistency and effort.
- PVTs are crucial for interpreting test results, especially in patient groups with potential cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate performance validity in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) and essential tremor (ET) considered for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery.
- To assess the utility of PVTs in a highly motivated, older population at risk for cognitive decline.
- To establish baseline performance validity in candidates for advanced neurological interventions.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 30 candidates for DBS surgery underwent comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation.
- The Word Memory Test (WMT), a measure of performance validity, was administered.
- Embedded PVTs were also included in the neuropsychological assessment battery.
Main Results:
- 16 DBS candidates (53.3%) achieved passing scores on the WMT.
- 11 patients (36.6%) scored in the "caution" range, indicating borderline performance validity.
- Three patients (10%) produced failing WMT scores, suggesting inadequate effort or performance validity.
Conclusions:
- This pilot study provides the first description of PVT performance in DBS candidates.
- The findings suggest that most individuals with PD and ET seeking DBS surgery demonstrate adequate performance validity.
- PVTs are valuable tools for assessing effort and motivation in neurologically complex patient populations.
