Abstract

Although the distinctive pathological marker of Parkinson’s Disease is the progressive death of neurons that produce dopamine, there are also alterations in the production of quantities of other neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and serotonin that contribute to the disease. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) can be divided into two distinct classes based on the manifestation of motor symptoms, Type A and Type B Parkinson’s Disease. Type B PD patients often manifest symptoms in which serotonin deficiency plays an important role, which often includes a history of depression. Within the brain and spinal cord serotonin has wide spread projections, acting as an important neurotransmitter involved in a variety of physiological and behavioral functions. The Serotonin Depletion Syndrome Checklist (SDSCL) is based on symptoms seen in patients with a decrease in central serotonin. If validated the SDSCL will be useful for more accurately diagnosing depletion of serotonin in the Parkinson’s disease population and has the potential to be generalized to other medical and psychiatric populations. The major focus of this study was to determine how symptoms on the SDSCL vary between PD populations. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was used to determine if the SDSCL accounted for symptoms of depression. The results indicated that there are no significant differences between Type A PD, Type B, and controls on the SDSCL; however, there are differences between these groups on the BDI-II. Additionally, there is a significant correlation between the SDSCL and the BDI-II, implying that the SDSCL is working and accounting for symptoms of depression. To further evaluate the SDSCL usefulness a study should be done that measures the level of serotonin of subjects.

LLU Discipline

Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

Graduate School

First Advisor

Louis E. Jenkins

Second Advisor

Robert P. Iacono

Third Advisor

Matt Riggs

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Level

M.A.

Year Degree Awarded

2003

Date (Title Page)

9-2003

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Parkinson disease; Serotonin -- analysis; Parkinson disease -- diagnosis

Type

Thesis

Page Count

xii; 45

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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