Psychological Changes Following Surgical Treatment of Parkinsonism
PETER HAYS M.B., B.S., D.P.M.1,
BERENICE KRIKLER B.A.2,
LAWRENCE SUTCLIFFE WALSH F.R.C.S.3, , and
GERALD WOOLFSON M.B., SC.B., D.P.M.4
1 Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry, St. George's Hospital 15 Knightsbridge, London, S.W.1., England
2 Senior Clinical Psychologist, St. George's Hospital 15 Knightsbridge, London, S.W.1., England
3 Consultant Neurosurgeon, St. George's Hospital 15 Knightsbridge, London, S.W.1., England
4 First Assistant, Psychiatric Department, St. George's Hospital 15 Knightsbridge, London, S.W.1., England
Twenty-five patients were tested and interviewed immediately before and at varying intervals after surgical treatment for parkinsonism to determine possible psychological changes. In both interviewing and psychological testing, no support was provided for the proposition that parkinsonism and schizophrenia are mutually opposed. The finding of a general postoperative elevation of mood among the patients could not easily be attributed to placebo effect, to improved function, or to a relief of tension similar to a postleucotomy effect. The authors conclude that the postoperative elevation of mood was a specific consequence of the operation itself.
