Neurosurgery in Parkinson′s disease: Social adjustment, quality of life and coping strategies

Research Highlights (1) Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation can significantly improve the motor features of the Parkinson′s disease in carefully selected patients. However, effects of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation on the social adjustment, coping strategies and mental health-related quality of life of these patients remain unclear. (2) Some French scholars studied the social maladjustment in Parkinson′s disease patients following subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation. (3) The preoperative expectations of Parkinson′s disease patients who received subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation should be carefully considered because postoperative social maladjustment is often observed in a few patients. Therefore, effective strategies are searched to avoid the disappointments from these patients and their relatives and improve patients′ quality of life. Abstract Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation has become a standard neurosurgical therapy for advanced Parkinson′s disease. Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation can dramatically improve the motor symptoms of carefully selected patients with this disease. Surprisingly, some specific dimensions of quality of life, "psychological" aspects and social adjustment do not always improve, and they could sometimes be even worse. Patients and their families should fully understand that subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation can alter the motor status and time is needed to readapt to their new postoperative state and lifestyles. This paper reviews the literatures regarding effects of bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation on social adjustment, quality of life and coping strategies in patients with Parkinson′s disease. The findings may help to understand the psychosocial maladjustment and poor improvement in quality of life in some Parkinson′s disease patients.