Objective:
to evaluate possible interactions between measures of
self-compassion, trait worry and sleep in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients.
Background:
PD patients often experience states of persistent worry and trouble in being
self-compassionate, with a significant impact on their daily lives. These symptoms require a better understanding of their levels of burden, their clinical characteristics and differences based on motor and non-motor profile.
Method:
All participants completed a standardized set of questionnaires. Severity of state worry was determined by using the Penn Worry State Questionaire (PWSQ). Self-compassion was assessed by administering the Self-compassion Scales (SCS). The full spectrum of non-motor symptoms was assessed using the Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS). Aspects related to sleep were further evaluated by the Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale 2 (PDSS2) and the Epworth Somnolence Scale (ESS). Quality of life was determined by the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire 39 (PDQ-39). Based on PWSQ scores, participants were assigned to one of three groups: low levels of worry (total score of 30 and below), moderate worry (total score between 30 and 45) and high levels of worry (total score of 45 and above). Correlation analyses were conducted to determine the most significant relationships established between variables.
Results:
Total PSWQ scores were significantly correlated with most variables of interest: PDQ-39 summary index (rho=0.694 , p<0.001), total NMSS (rho=0.703, p<0.001), total SCS (rho=0.517, p<0.001) and total PDSS2 (rho=0.509, p<0.001). A comparison between SCS sub-domains revealed that Self kindness, Self judgements and Mindfulness were the most powerful correlation factors with PSWQ total scores. Comparison of the three groups of PD patients defined by levels of worry (low, moderate and high) revealed statistically significant difference in total scores obtained on SCS (p<0.001), PDQ39 (p<0.001), PDSS2 (p<0.001) and NMSS (p<0.001).
Conclusion:
this study suggest that levels of worry and self-compassion are present in patients with PD. Consequently, counselling and therapeutic interventions should also address these concerns and worries of patients, for better treatment strategies and improved quality of life.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
M. Cusnir, S. Diaconu, E. Ungureanu, B. Ciopleiasb, R. Zosin, I. Murasan, C. Falup-Pecurariu. self-compassion, trait worry and sleep in parkinson’s disease (PD) patients [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2023; 38 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/self-compassion-trait-worry-and-sleep-in-parkinsons-disease-pd-patients/. Accessed May 17, 2025.« Back to 2023 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/self-compassion-trait-worry-and-sleep-in-parkinsons-disease-pd-patients/