PARKINSONS-DISEASE SYMPTOMS - PATIENTS PERCEPTIONS

Self-assessment is significant for the accurate evaluation of patient' needs. This study examined the frequency and severity of symptoms rep orted by 39 patients with Parkinson's disease and compared them with s ymptoms suggested by the literature and by specialists as bothering Pa rkinson's patients, Four categories of symptoms were examined: (a) mot or disability or activity loss, (b) mental change, (c) psychosocial di fficulties, and (d) nonspecific symptoms, The findings show that there was correspondence between expert judgements and subjects' reports re garding symptoms such as dyskinesia/tremor as well as walking, freezin g gait, and changing position. Symptoms such as dressing self, getting in/out of bed, morning stiffness and deficit in cognitive sequencing, which experts described as characteristic of Parkinson's disease pati ents, bothered subjects less. In general, patients' mental and psychos ocial symptoms were higher in their frequencies and perceived severity than problems of performing activities of daily living.