DOI: 10.66235/kumj.1870078 ISSN: 2757-9336

Determinants of perceived stigma in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease: The role of clinical subtype, non-motor symptoms, and levodopa equivalent daily dose

Sena Boncuk Ulaş, Nimet Ucaroglu Can, Yeşim Güzey Aras
Show PDF Cite
Aims: Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms. Its prevalence increases with age.Stigma refers to negative societal perceptions and attitudes toward individuals with chronic diseases. Patients often try to hide their condition from others due to feelings of shame. Stigma is associated not only with psychiatric but also with neurological diseases. This study aimed to investigate the associations between perceived stigma and clinical subtype, disease severity, non-motor symptoms, Levodopa Equivalent Daily Dose (LEDD), and psychosocial factors in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.Methods: Patients diagnosed with IPD, aged between 18-80 years, without dementia, and who were able to provide written informed consent, were included in the study. Demographic data, UPDRS, H&Y scores, disease stage, type, prodromal and non-motor symptoms were recorded. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Neuro-QoL Stigma Scale.Results: The mean age was 63.91 ± 10.13, with 50.8% being male. 45.9% were akinetic-rigid type, 45.9% tremor-dominant, and 8.2% mixed type. The mean stigma score was 36.85±14.67. Stigma scores were significantly higher in patients reporting pain and fatigue (p=0.01, p=0.002, respectively). Stigma scores were also higher in patients with the akinetic-rigid type compared to the tremor-dominant and mixed types (p=0.03). Additionally, patients receiving a higher levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) (>1200 mg) had higher stigma scores (p=0.04). While no significant correlation was found between stigma and age, age of disease onset, disease duration, or UPDRS scores, a significant positive correlation was observed with H&Y scores and daily levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) (p=0.01, p=0.04, respectively). Stigma scores were also strongly positively correlated with depression and anxiety scores (p<0.001).Conclusion: In IPD, particularly in the akinetic-rigid subtype, higher perceived stigma was associated with non-motor symptoms such as pain and fatigue, higher LEDD, and greater psychological burden. Given the strong associations between stigma, depression, and anxiety, psychosocial support should be considered an important component of comprehensive Parkinson’s disease management.

More from our Archive