Abstract
M.A.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder. Symptoms such
as tremor, muscular stiffness and slowness of bodily movement are
prevalent in the disease. Early research studies have investigated emotional
difficulties experienced by Parkinson's disease patients. Most research
studies have focused on depression in Parkinson's disease. However few
studies have investigated other emotional concomitants of Parkinson's
disease, for example anxiety, self-esteem and impulse control.
The aim of the present study was to investigate emotional concomitants of
Parkinson's disease and to explore problematic emotional symptoms
experienced by patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. The aim of the
study was to compare a group of 10 male Parkinson's disease patients with
a group of 10 healthy males (non-Parkinson's disease males) regarding the
six subscales (Thought/Behaviour disorder, Impulse Control, Anxiety,
Depression, Low Self-esteem and Total Pathology) of the Emotional
Problems Scales (EPS). In the second part of the present study a group of
six male Parkinson's disease patients completed the Millon Clinical
Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI). The Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory
consists of 22 clinical scales.
The results indicated that there were statistically significant differences
between the Parkinson's disease patients and the non-Parkinson's disease
males regarding the Anxiety, Depression and Total Pathology subscales of
the Emotional Problems Scales. The results further indicated that the
Parkinson's disease patients had elevated scores above the 75 and 85 base
rate scores of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory. The elevated scores
were on the Schizoid, Compulsive, Self-defeating, Anxiety and Dysthymia
scales.
The results obtained in the present research study support previous studies
regarding emotional concomitants in Parkinson's disease.
Although effort has been made to ensure the present research study is
methodologically sound, the study had a few shortfalls and limitations. The
questionnaires (EPS and MCMI) used in the present study have not been
standardised for the South African population. The present research study
was interesting but a larger sample would be needed that would be more
representative of the South African population. The present study did not
discriminate between tremor dominant Parkinson's disease and rigid
Parkinson's disease. Incidence of depression seems to be higher in
Parkinson's disease patients with prominent features of bradykinesia and
gait instability.
It is recommended that future research studies distinguish between rigid
Parkinson's disease and tremor dominant Parkinson's disease. Future
research should also include measuring instruments that have been
standardised for the South African population. Combined gender studies
regarding emotional concomitants of Parkinson's disease will contribute to
understanding the problematic emotional symptoms experienced by
patients suffering from Parkinson's disease.