Neuropsychiatric Features of Punding and Hobbyism in Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the cognitive and neuropsychiatric profile associated with punding and hobbyism in Parkinson's disease (PD).

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical and neuropsychological features of PD patients with punding and hobbyism to PD controls.

METHODS

The Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's Disease-Rating Scale (QUIP-RS) was used as a screening tool, and a structured interview was used to diagnose punding/hobbyism. Clinical and neuropsychological assessment was conducted with validated questionnaires/scales.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients with PD and punding (PD + pu) were compared to 26 with hobbyism (PD + h) and 25 PD controls. PD + pu patients showed higher levels of anxiety, non-motor symptoms and motor symptoms, and lower Frontal Assessment Battery scores. The PD + h group exhibited similar levels of anxiety and motor fluctuations to the PD + pu group.

CONCLUSION

PD + pu showed increased anxiety and frontal lobe dysfunction, similar to PD + h. Hobbyism could be a prodromal phase with increased risk of leading to punding.