Anxiety and depression in Chiari malformation

Abstract

There are few studies that explore the involvement of the cerebellum in the affective area. This study aims to evaluate the affective component and, specifically, the emotional states of depression and anxiety associated with the Chiari malformation, controlling perceived pain. This study included a Chiari group and two control groups, one healthy, the other suffering from Myasthenia gravis, which exhibits a physical component without cerebellar impairment. Each participant completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Scores were significantly higher for the anxiety variable in the Chiari group, either when compared to the control group or the group affected by Myasthenia gravis-controlling the level of headache. The results obtained support previous studies in which the important contribution of the cerebellum to emotional regulation was emphasized.