Anxiety Independently Contributes to Severity of Freezing of Gait in People With Parkinson’s Disease

• DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.17090177
• Publication Date: 2018-09-06T11:51:32Z
• Authors: Milla Pimenta; Dandara Moreira; Taísa Nogueira; Carolina Silva; Elen B. Pinto; Guilherme T. Valenca; Lorena R. S. Almeida
• Keywords: Depression; Fear of falling

Freezing of gait is a disabling feature Parkinson's disease, and it has been shown that nonmotor symptoms, such as anxiety cognitive impairment, may be involved in the pathophysiology phenomenon. However, association between freezing severity symptoms yet to determined. Therefore, overall aim this study was determine factors contribute people with disease. Participants (N=78) were assessed by disease-specific self-report measures, including Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Gait Questionnaire (FOG-Q). classified "freezers" if they scored ≥1 on item 3 FOG-Q; sum items 3-6 used severity. Freezers (N=27) showed higher scores HADS (p=0.002) depression (p=0.006) subscales. A multivariate linear model disease (as measured using modified Hoehn Yahr scale) accounted for 31% variance FOG-Q (p<0.001). The presence ≥8 points increased explained 38% (p=0.010), full (reached adding levodopa equivalent dose) 42% (p=0.026). findings provide additional support contribution greater severity, taking into account not only frequency but duration episodes, suggest should routinely evaluated who present gait.