The Impact of Deep Brain Stimulation on Personality, Self and Relationships: A Qualitative Exploration in a Neurological and Psychiatric Population

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been used to treat over 175,000 individuals with movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, and is being trialled in psychiatric conditions such as treatment-resistant depression. Clinical research has consistently shown that DBS is effective in alleviating the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. However, a subset of patients appear to experience unanticipated psychosocial changes following DBS, including changes in personality, sense of self and interpersonal relationships.Little is known about these non-motor outcomes and how they impact patients and families. Using qualitative interviews, this thesis explores the key perspectives and experiences of DBS patients, caregivers and clinicians.