Parkinson Disease: Voon V

Miyasaki JM, Shannon K, Voon V, Ravina B, Kleiner-Fisman G, Anderson K, Shulman LM, Gronseth G, Weiner WJ, Anonymous00046. · University of Toronto, Canada. · Neurology. · Pubmed #16606910 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To make evidence-based treatment recommendations for patients with Parkinson disease (PD) with dementia, depression, and psychosis based on these questions: 1) What tools are effective to screen for depression, psychosis, and dementia in PD? 2) What are effective treatments for depression and psychosis in PD? 3) What are effective treatments for PD dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)? METHODS: A nine-member multispecialty committee evaluated available evidence from a structured literature review using MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Database of Health and Psychosocial Instruments from 1966 to 2004. Additional articles were identified by panel members. RESULTS: The Beck Depression Inventory-I, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale should be considered to screen for depression in PD (Level B). The Mini-Mental State Examination and the Cambridge Cognitive Examination should be considered to screen for dementia in PD (Level B). Amitriptyline may be considered to treat depression in PD without dementia (Level C). For psychosis in PD, clozapine should be considered (Level B), quetiapine may be considered (Level C), but olanzapine should not be considered (Level B). Donepezil or rivastigmine should be considered for dementia in PD (Level B) and rivastigmine should be considered for DLB (Level B). CONCLUSIONS: Screening tools are available for depression and dementia in patients with PD, but more specific validated tools are needed. There are no widely used, validated tools for psychosis screening in Parkinson disease (PD). Clozapine successfully treats psychosis in PD. Cholinesterase inhibitors are effective treatments for dementia in PD, but improvement is modest and motor side effects may occur.

Samuel M, Voon V. · No affiliation provided · J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. · Pubmed #15897490 links to  free full text

This publication has no abstract.

Voon V. · No affiliation provided · Mov Disord. · Pubmed #15077233 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Potenza MN, Voon V, Weintraub D. · Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT 06519, USA. · Nat Clin Pract Neurol. · Pubmed #18046439 No free full text.

Abstract: Impulse control disorders (ICDs) constitute a group of relatively common psychiatric conditions. ICDs typically involve pleasurable or hedonic behaviors (e.g. gambling, shopping or sex) that are performed repetitively, excessively or compulsively, to an extent that interferes in major areas of life functioning. Over the past decade, case reports, case studies and controlled examinations have reported ICDs in neurological patients, particularly those with Parkinson's disease (PD). A relationship between dopamine agonist treatment and ICDs was initially suggested on the basis of clinical observations, and subsequent systematic studies have provided more-substantial support for this association. Ongoing studies of the clinical characteristics of individuals with PD with and without ICDs suggest that certain individuals might be at increased risk of developing ICDs during PD treatment. Emerging data suggest that the association between dopamine agonists and ICDs extends into other neurological patient populations in which these agents are employed, such as those with restless legs syndrome. In this article, we summarize current knowledge regarding ICDs, review their relationships with PD and its treatments, provide practical clinical recommendations based on existing data, and suggest avenues for future research directed at advancing clinical care strategies.

Voon V, Fox SH. · National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Dr, Bldg 10, Room 5S213, Bethesda, MD 20892-1428, USA. · Arch Neurol. · Pubmed #17698698 links to  free full text

Abstract: A range of behaviors presumed to be related to aberrant or excessive dopaminergic medications are being increasingly recognized in Parkinson disease. These behaviors are linked by their incentive- or reward-based and repetitive natures and include pathological gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive shopping, compulsive eating, hobbyism, and compulsive medication use. Such behaviors can have potentially devastating psychosocial consequences and are often hidden. Whether these behaviors are simply related to dopaminergic medications interacting with an underlying individual vulnerability or whether the primary pathological features of Parkinson disease play a role is not known. We reviewed the literature on these behaviors in Parkinson disease, including definitions, epidemiological and potential pathophysiological features, and management. The study of these behaviors allows not only improved clinical management but also greater insight into a biologically mediated complex behavioral model.

Voon V, Potenza MN, Thomsen T. · Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1428, USA. · Curr Opin Neurol. · Pubmed #17620886 No free full text.

Abstract: PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A range of impulse control and repetitive behaviors presumed to be related to dopaminergic medications has been recognized in Parkinson's disease. These behaviors are linked by their incentive or reward-based and repetitive natures and overlap with addictions. The behaviors include pathological gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive shopping, and compulsive eating and are related to punding and compulsive medication use. In patients on dopamine agonists, these behaviors as a group are relatively common, can have potentially devastating psychosocial consequences and are commonly hidden. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have investigated prevalence rates and associated factors. The literature on these behaviors in Parkinson's disease, including definitions, epidemiology, pathophysiology and management, is reviewed. The relationship to medications, Parkinson's disease and individual susceptibility is examined. SUMMARY: These behaviors can affect up to 14% of Parkinson's disease patients on dopamine agonists. Clinicians should warn patients prior to initiating dopamine agonists and enquire about these behaviors during follow up.

Voon V, Kubu C, Krack P, Houeto JL, Tröster AI. · Department of Psychiatry, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Canada. · Mov Disord. · Pubmed #16810676 No free full text.

Abstract: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor, cognitive, neuropsychiatric, autonomic, and other nonmotor symptoms. The efficacy of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the motor symptoms of advanced PD is well established. However, the effects of DBS on the cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms are less clear. The neuropsychiatric aspects of DBS for PD have recently been of considerable clinical and pathophysiological interest. As a companion to the preoperative and postoperative sections of the DBS consensus articles, this article reviews the published literature on the cognitive and neuropsychiatric aspects of DBS for PD. The majority of the observed neuropsychiatric symptoms are transient, treatable, and potentially preventable. Outcome studies, methodological issues, pathophysiology, and preoperative and postoperative management of the cognitive and neuropsychiatric aspects and complications of DBS for PD are discussed.

Voon V, Moro E, Saint-Cyr JA, Lozano AM, Lang AE. · Department of Psychiatry, Toronto Western Hospital, UHN, Toronto, Canada. · Adv Neurol. · Pubmed #16383217 No free full text.

Abstract: Bilateral subthalamic stimulation is a very effective neurosurgical treatment for advanced Parkinson's disease. Despite the range and frequency of psychiatric symptoms occurring in the postoperative state, most of these symptoms are transient and manageable. In clinical practice, preoperative psychiatric vulnerability, as with that of preoperative cognitive status, takes on an important role. Psychiatric assessment and active preoperative and postoperative intervention can potentially modify psychiatric outcomes. These psychiatric and psychological issues will take on greater importance, particularly with the rapid expansion of the number of neurosurgical sites and the need for adequate assessment and optimal management of patients. The paucity of the literature underscores the need for well-designed studies on psychiatric issues investigating both pathophysiology and clinical outcomes.

Ardouin C, Voon V, Worbe Y, Abouazar N, Czernecki V, Hosseini H, Pelissolo A, Moro E, Lhommée E, Lang AE, Agid Y, Benabid AL, Pollak P, Mallet L, Krack P. · Département de Neurologie, CHU Grenoble, INSERM U318, Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France. · Mov Disord. · Pubmed #16972268 No free full text.

Abstract: Pathological gambling (PG) related to dopaminergic treatment in Parkinson's disease (PD) is part of a spectrum of behavioral disorders called the dopamine dysregulation syndrome (DDS). We describe a series of PD patients with preoperative active PG due to dopaminergic treatment from a total of 598 patients who have undergone surgery for subthalamic nucleus stimulation for disabling motor fluctuations. The patients had systematic open assessment of behavioral symptoms and standardized assessments of motor symptoms, mood, and apathy. Seven patients (6 men, 1 woman; age, 54 +/- 9 years; levodopa equivalent dose, 1,390 +/- 350 mg/day) had preoperative PG over a mean of 7 years, intolerant to reduction in medication. Six had nonmotor fluctuations and four had other behavioral symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of the DDS. After surgery, motor symptoms improved, allowing for 74% reduction of dopaminergic treatment, below the dosage of gambling onset. In all patients, PG resolved postoperatively after 18 months on average (range, 0-48), although transient worsening occurred in two. Improvement paralleled the time course and degree of reduction in dopaminergic treatment. Nonmotor fluctuations, off period dysphoria, and other symptoms of the DDS improved. Two patients developed persistent apathy. In conclusion, PG and other symptoms of the DDS-associated dopaminergic treatment improved in our patients following surgery. Dopaminergic dysregulation commonly attributed to pulsatile overstimulation of the limbic dopaminergic system may be subject to desensitization on chronic subthalamic stimulation, which has a relative motor selectivity and allows for decrease in dopaminergic treatment.

Voon V, Krack P, Lang AE, Lozano AM, Dujardin K, Schüpbach M, D'Ambrosia J, Thobois S, Tamma F, Herzog J, Speelman JD, Samanta J, Kubu C, Rossignol H, Poon YY, Saint-Cyr JA, Ardouin C, Moro E. · National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-1428, USA. · Brain. · Pubmed #18941146 No free full text.

Abstract: Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation improves motor symptoms and quality of life in advanced Parkinson's disease. As after other life-altering surgeries, suicides have been reported following deep brain stimulation for movement disorders. We sought to determine the suicide rate following subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease by conducting an international multicentre retrospective survey of movement disorder and surgical centres. We further sought to determine factors associated with suicide attempts through a nested case-control study. In the survey of suicide rate, 55/75 centres participated. The completed suicide percentage was 0.45% (24/5311) and attempted suicide percentage was 0.90% (48/5311). Observed suicide rates in the first postoperative year (263/100,000/year) (0.26%) were higher than the lowest and the highest expected age-, gender- and country-adjusted World Health Organization suicide rates (Standardized Mortality Ratio for suicide: SMR 12.63-15.64; P < 0.001) and remained elevated at the fourth postoperative year (38/100,000/year) (0.04%) (SMR 1.81-2.31; P < 0.05). The excess number of deaths was 13 for the first postoperative year and one for the fourth postoperative year. In the case-control study of associated factors, 10 centres participated. Twenty-seven attempted suicides and nine completed suicides were compared with 70 controls. Postoperative depression (P < 0.001), being single (P = 0.007) and a previous history of impulse control disorders or compulsive medication use (P = 0.005) were independent associated factors accounting for 51% of the variance for attempted suicide risk. Attempted suicides were also associated (P < 0.05) with being younger, younger Parkinson's disease onset and a previous suicide attempt. Completed suicides were associated with postoperative depression (P < 0.001). Postoperative depression remained a significant factor associated with attempted and completed suicides after correction for multiple comparisons using the stringent Bonferroni correction. Mortality in the first year following subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation has been reported at 0.4%. Suicide is thus one of the most important potentially preventable risks for mortality following subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease. Postoperative depression should be carefully assessed and treated. A multidisciplinary assessment and follow-up is recommended.

Voon V, Thomsen T, Miyasaki JM, de Souza M, Shafro A, Fox SH, Duff-Canning S, Lang AE, Zurowski M. · National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. · Arch Neurol. · Pubmed #17296836 links to  free full text

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate factors associated with pathological gambling (PG) in Parkinson disease (PD). DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Outpatient tertiary clinic. Patients Twenty-one patients with idiopathic PD with PG after the patients began receiving medications compared with a consecutive sample of 42 patients with idiopathic PD without compulsive behaviors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical features, comorbid psychiatric and substance use disorders, personality traits, and impulsivity scores. RESULTS: Patients with PG had a younger age at PD onset (P = .006), higher novelty seeking (P<.001), medication-induced hypomania or mania (P = .001), impaired planning (P = .002), or a personal or immediate family history of alcohol use disorders (P = .002). Novelty seeking, a personal or immediate family history of alcohol use disorders, and younger age at PD onset accurately predicted PG at 83.7% in a logistic regression model, with the model accounting for 62% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PD having a younger age at PD onset, higher novelty seeking traits, and a personal or family history of alcohol use disorders may have a greater risk for PG with dopamine agonists.

Ravina B, Marder K, Fernandez HH, Friedman JH, McDonald W, Murphy D, Aarsland D, Babcock D, Cummings J, Endicott J, Factor S, Galpern W, Lees A, Marsh L, Stacy M, Gwinn-Hardy K, Voon V, Goetz C. · Department of Neurology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14620, USA. · Mov Disord. · Pubmed #17266092 No free full text.

Abstract: There are no standardized diagnostic criteria for psychosis associated with Parkinson's disease (PDPsy). As part of an NIH sponsored workshop, we reviewed the existing literature on PDPsy to provide criteria that distinguish PDPsy from other causes of psychosis. Based on these data, we propose provisional criteria for PDPsy in the style of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV-TR. PDPsy has a well-characterized temporal and clinical profile of hallucinations and delusions, which is different than the pattern seen in other psychotic disorders such as substance induced psychosis or schizophrenia. PDPsy is associated with a poor prognosis of chronic psychosis, nursing home placement, and death. Medications used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) contribute to PDPsy but may not be sufficient or necessary contributors to PDPsy. PDPsy is associated with Lewy bodies pathology, imbalances of monoaminergic neurotransmitters, and visuospatial processing deficits. These findings suggest that PDPsy may result from progression of the disease process underlying PD, rather than a comorbid psychiatric disorder or drug intoxication. PDPsy is not adequately described by existing criteria for psychotic disorders. We established provisional diagnostic criteria that define a constellation of clinical features not shared by other psychotic syndromes. The criteria are inclusive and contain descriptions of the full range of characteristic symptoms, chronology of onset, duration of symptoms, exclusionary diagnoses, and associated features such as dementia. These criteria require validation and may be refined, but form a starting point for studies of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of PDPsy, and are a potential indication for therapy development.

Miyasaki JM, Al Hassan K, Lang AE, Voon V. · Movement Disorders Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. · Mov Disord. · Pubmed #17230464 No free full text.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine punding prevalence in an ambulatory Parkinson's disease (PD) population. We conducted a patient-and-caregiver-completed punding survey in 373 consecutive patients in an academic ambulatory center. Completion rate was 78%. Only four patients were identified as punding. Patients did not retain insight to their behavior. Forty patients with high-dose levodopa monotherapy or levodopa and dopamine agonist treatment had physician-administered interview. None had punding. Punding incidence was low in this patient group (1.4%) in contrast with previous reports of 14%. Despite the low incidence, this behavior is disruptive and should be carefully elicited by physicians caring for Parkinson's disease patients.

Fox SH, Visanji NP, Johnston TH, Gomez-Ramirez J, Voon V, Brotchie JM. · No affiliation provided · Arch Neurol. · Pubmed #16966523 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Voon V, Hassan K, Zurowski M, de Souza M, Thomsen T, Fox S, Lang AE, Miyasaki J. · Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1428, USA. · Neurology. · Pubmed #16957130 No free full text.

Abstract: We surveyed 297 patients with Parkinson disease (PD) with systematic screens and rigorous definitional criteria. Pathologic hypersexuality lifetime prevalence was 2.4%. Compulsive shopping was 0.7%. Combined with our pathologic gambling data, the lifetime prevalence of these behaviors was 6.1% and increases to 13.7% in patients on dopamine agonists.

Deuschl G, Herzog J, Kleiner-Fisman G, Kubu C, Lozano AM, Lyons KE, Rodriguez-Oroz MC, Tamma F, Tröster AI, Vitek JL, Volkmann J, Voon V. · Department of Neurology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, Kiel, Germany. · Mov Disord. · Pubmed #16810719 No free full text.

Abstract: Numerous factors need to be taken into account when managing a patient with Parkinson's disease (PD) after deep brain stimulation (DBS). Questions such as when to begin programming, how to conduct a programming screen, how to assess the effects of programming, and how to titrate stimulation and medication for each of the targeted sites need to be addressed. Follow-up care should be determined, including patient adjustments of stimulation, timing of follow-up visits and telephone contact with the patient, and stimulation and medication conditions during the follow-up assessments. A management plan for problems that can arise after DBS such as weight gain, dyskinesia, axial symptoms, speech dysfunction, muscle contractions, paresthesia, eyelid, ocular and visual disturbances, and behavioral and cognitive problems should be developed. Long-term complications such as infection or erosion, loss of effect, intermittent stimulation, tolerance, and pain or discomfort can develop and need to be managed. Other factors that need consideration are social and job-related factors, development of dementia, general medical issues, and lifestyle changes. This report from the Consensus on Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease, a project commissioned by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the Movement Disorder Society, outlines answers to a series of questions developed to address all aspects of DBS postoperative management and decision-making with a systematic overview of the literature (until mid-2004) and by the expert opinion of the authors. The report has been endorsed by the Scientific Issues Committee of the Movement Disorder Society and the American Society of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery.

Lang AE, Houeto JL, Krack P, Kubu C, Lyons KE, Moro E, Ondo W, Pahwa R, Poewe W, Tröster AI, Uitti R, Voon V. · Department of Neurology, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. · Mov Disord. · Pubmed #16810718 No free full text.

Abstract: Numerous factors need to be taken into account in deciding whether a patient with Parkinson's disease (PD) is a candidate for deep brain stimulation. Patient-related personal factors including age and the presence of other comorbid disorders need to be considered. Neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric concerns relate both to the presurgical status of the patient and to the potential for surgery to result in new problems postoperatively. A number of factors related to the underlying PD need to be considered, including the specific parkinsonian motor indications (e.g., tremor, bradykinesia, gait dysfunction), previous medical therapies, including benefit from current therapy and adverse effects, and past surgical treatments. Definable causes of Parkinsonism, particularly atypical Parkinsonisms, should be considered. Finally, methods of evaluating outcomes should be defined and formalized. This is a report from the Consensus on Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease, a project commissioned by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the Movement Disorder Society (MDS). The report has been endorsed by the Scientific Issues Committee of the MDS and the American Society of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery. It outlines answers to a series of questions developed to address all aspects of deep brain stimulation preoperative decision-making.

Voon V, Hassan K, Zurowski M, Duff-Canning S, de Souza M, Fox S, Lang AE, Miyasaki J. · Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1428, USA. · Neurology. · Pubmed #16769956 No free full text.

Abstract: The authors prospectively screened 297 patients with Parkinson disease (PD), who attended a tertiary clinic, using a modified South Oaks Gambling Scale. Lifetime prevalence of pathologic gambling (PG) was 3.4% and on any dopamine agonist was 7.2%. PG was associated with earlier PD onset and with dopamine agonists but not with agonist subtype or doses. We found no association with a potent D3 receptor agonist.

Voon V, Saint-Cyr J, Lozano AM, Moro E, Poon YY, Lang AE. · Department of Psychiatry, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. · J Neurosurg. · Pubmed #16175853 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECT: Postoperative psychiatric symptoms have been associated with subthalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson disease (PD), and preoperative psychiatric vulnerability, the effects of surgery, stimulation, medication changes, and psychosocial adjustment have been proposed as causative factors. The variables involved in whether preoperative psychiatric symptoms improve or worsen following surgery are not yet known. In the present study, preoperative psychiatric symptoms were systematically assessed in patients with PD presenting for routine preoperative psychiatric assessment. METHODS: Forty consecutive patients with PD presenting for DBS were interviewed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Current depressive symptoms were quantified using clinician- and patient-rated depression scales. Seventy-eight percent of patients had at least one lifetime or current Axis I psychiatric diagnosis. The prevalence of depression was 60% (95% confidence interval [CI] 45-85), psychosis 35% (95% CI 25-50), and anxiety 40% (95% CI 25-55). These prevalence rates were comparable to or greater than those in the general population of patients with PD. Twenty-three percent of patients required psychiatric treatment for current symptoms prior to being considered eligible for DBS. CONCLUSIONS: As part of the selection process for surgery, members of the study population were chosen for their lack of overt dementia or other active disabling psychiatric symptomatology. The incidence rates of psychiatric disorders, including those diseases occurring in the general population affected with PD, were greater than expected. Data in the present study lead one to question the reliability of patient-rated depression scales as the sole instrument for assessing depression. The authors highlight the need for evidence-based guidelines in the management of these preoperative symptoms as well as the involvement of psychiatric personnel in the assessment and management of these symptoms.

Voon V, Lang AE. · University of Toronto, Toronto Western Hospital University Health Network, Ontario, Canada. · Clin Neuropharmacol. · Pubmed #15252271 No free full text.

Abstract: Psychotic symptoms are commonly associated with Parkinson disease and can be a source of significant morbidity. Depression has been reported as a comorbidity in patients with psychosis. We describe a patient with Parkinson disease with psychotic symptoms and comorbid depression whose treatment refractory delusions and hallucinations improved markedly only after antidepressant monotherapy was initiated. The phenomenology of the delusions was atypical for those found in Parkinson or in depression. Psychotic symptoms refractory or only partially responsive to conventional treatment should prompt a search for potential underlying psychiatric comorbidities. Given case reports of exacerbation of psychotic symptoms with antidepressants, we emphasize careful identification and active follow up of the comorbid depressive disorders in PD patients with psychosis. Potential mechanisms implicated in the response of psychosis to antidepressants are discussed.

Voon V, Fox S, Butler TR, Lang AE. · No affiliation provided · Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. · Pubmed #17450623 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.