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BackgroundDeep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a well-established treatment for the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). While PD is primarily characterized by motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia, it also involves a range of non-motor symptoms, and anxiety is one of the most common. The relationship between PD and anxiety is complex and can be a result of both pathological neural changes and the psychological and emotional impacts of living with a chronic progressive condition. Managing anxiety in PD is critical for improving the patients' quality of life. However, patients undergoing STN DBS can occasionally experience increased anxiety.MethodsThis study investigates changes in risk-avoidant behavior following STN DBS in a pre-motor animal model of PD under chronic and acute unilateral high frequency stimulation.ResultsNo significant changes in risk-avoidant behaviors were observed in rats who underwent STN DBS compared with sham stimulation controls. Chronic stimulation prevented sensitization in the elevated zero maze.ConclusionsThese results suggest that unilateral stimulation of the STN may have minimal effects on risk-avoidant behaviors in PD. However, additional research is required to fully understand the mechanisms responsible for changes in anxiety during STN DBS for PD.
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