Neuropsychiatric Features of Punding and Hobbyism in Parkinson's Disease

Background: Little is known about the cognitive and neuropsychiatric profile associated with punding and hobbyism in Parkinson's disease (PD). Objective: To compare the clinical and neuropsychological features of PD patients with punding and hobbyism to PD controls. Methods: The Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's Disease-Rating Scale (QUIP-RS) was used as a screening tool, and a structured interview was used to diagnose punding/hobbyism. Clinical and neuropsychological assessment was conducted with validated questionnaires/scales. Results: Twenty-one patients with PD and punding (PD + pu) were compared to 26 with hobbyism (PD + h) and 25 PD controls. PD + pu patients showed higher levels of anxiety, non-motor symptoms and motor symptoms, and lower Frontal Assessment Battery scores. The PD + h group exhibited similar levels of anxiety and motor fluctuations to the PD + pu group. Conclusion: PD + pu showed increased anxiety and frontal lobe dysfunction, similar to PD + h. Hobbyism could be a prodromal phase with increased risk of leading to punding.