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Diagnostic criteria for apathy in neurocognitive disorders
Author(s) -
Miller David S.,
Robert Philippe,
Ereshefsky Larry,
Adler Lawrence,
Bateman Daniel,
Cummings Jeff,
DeKosky Steven T.,
Fischer Corinne E.,
Husain Masud,
Ismail Zahinoor,
Jaeger Judith,
Lerner Alan J.,
Li Abby,
Lyketsos Constantine G.,
Manera Valeria,
Mintzer Jacobo,
Moebius Hans J.,
Mortby Moyra,
Meulien Didier,
Pollentier Stephane,
Porsteinsson Anton,
Rasmussen Jill,
Rosenberg Paul B.,
Ruthirakuhan Myuri T.,
Sano Mary,
Zucchero Sarracini Carla,
Lanctôt Krista L.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1002/alz.12358
Subject(s) - apathy , neurocognitive , delphi method , medicine , etiology , psychology , construct (python library) , psychiatry , clinical psychology , cognition , statistics , mathematics , computer science , programming language
Apathy is common in neurocognitive disorders (NCD) but NCD‐specific diagnostic criteria are needed. Methods The International Society for CNS Clinical Trials Methodology Apathy Work Group convened an expert group and sought input from academia, health‐care, industry, and regulatory bodies. A modified Delphi methodology was followed, and included an extensive literature review, two surveys, and two meetings at international conferences, culminating in a consensus meeting in 2019. Results The final criteria reached consensus with more than 80% agreement on all parts and included: limited to people with NCD; symptoms persistent or frequently recurrent over at least 4 weeks, a change from the patient's usual behavior, and including one of the following: diminished initiative, diminished interest, or diminished emotional expression/responsiveness; causing significant functional impairment and not exclusively explained by other etiologies. Discussion These criteria provide a framework for defining apathy as a unique clinical construct in NCD for diagnosis and further research.