Clinicians have long observed an anecdotal association of Parkinson's
disease with stoic, industrious, and inflexible personality traits, both
premorbidly and after the onset of motor symptoms. In this study, using the
Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire, we found significantly less
novelty-seeking behavior (behavior thought to be dopamine-dependent) in
Parkinson's disease patients than in matched controls, but no differences
between groups in behaviors thought to be dependent on serotonin and
norepinephrine. We discuss the literature and propose a mechanism that may
explain the relationship between brain dopaminergic systems and personality
in Parkinson's disease.
Abstract Teaser