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Personality measures after gamma ventral capsulotomy in intractable OCD.

Authors :: Paiva RR
Batistuzzo MC
McLaughlin NC
Canteras MM
de Mathis ME
Requena G
Shavitt RG
Greenberg BD
Norén G
Rasmussen SA
Tavares H
Miguel EC
Lopes AC
Hoexter MQ
Source :: Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry [Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry] 2018 Feb 02; Vol. 81, pp. 161-168. Date of Electronic Publication: 2017 Nov 01.
Publication Year :: 2018
Abstract: Background: Neurosurgeries such as gamma ventral capsulotomy (GVC) are an option for otherwise intractable obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients. In general, clinical and neuropsychological status both improve after GVC. However, its consequences on personality traits are not well-studied. The objective of this study was to investigate personality changes after one year of GVC in intractable OCD patients.<br />Methods: The personality assessment was conducted using the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R) and Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) in 14 intractable OCD patients before and one year after GVC. Comparisons of personality features between treatment responders (n=5) and non-responders (n=9) were performed. Multiple linear regression was also used for predicting changes in clinical and global functioning variables.<br />Results: Overall, no deleterious effect was found in personality after GVC. Responders had a reduction in neuroticism (p=0.043) and an increase in extraversion (p=0.043). No significant changes were observed in non-responders. Increases in novelty seeking and self-directedness, and decreases in persistence and cooperativiness predicted OCD symptom improvement. Similary, improvement in functioning was also predicted by hgher novelty seeking and self-directedness after GVC, whereas better functioning was also associated with lower reward dependence and cooperativeness after surgery.<br />Conclusions: The pattern of changes in personality traits after GVC was generally towards that observed in nonclinical population, and does not raise safety concerns.<br /> (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.)