Social Anxiety in Patients With Parkinson's Disease


Bolluk B., ÖZEL KIZIL E. T., AKBOSTANCI M. C., Atbasoglu E. C.

JOURNAL OF NEUROPSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES, cilt.22, sa.4, ss.390-394, 2010 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

Özet

Previous research highlights the presence of social anxiety disorder related to disfiguring diseases, although DSM-IV precludes the diagnosis of social anxiety disorder related to a medical condition. The present study investigated the frequency and severity of social anxiety disorder in patients with Parkinson's disease (n=50) and comparison subjects (n=50). Social anxiety was diagnosed in 16% of patients with Parkinson's disease and 2% of the comparison subjects. Regression analysis revealed younger age and depression as predictive factors of social anxiety. This study supported the likelihood of social anxiety disorder as a comorbid condition in Parkinson's disease. Revision of the criteria for social anxiety disorder in future diagnostic systems is necessary for the detection and management of these patients.