Apathy: why care?
This review presents data showing that apathy is common across a number of disorders. Apathy is not only common, but is also associated with significant problems: reduced functional level, decreased response to treatment, poor illness outcome, caregiver distress, and chronicity. Preliminary evidence of treatment efficacy exists for dopaminergic drugs and for amphetamines. Strong evidence of efficacy exists for acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer's disease, and for atypical antipsychotics in schizophrenia. Frontal-subcortical system(s) dysfunction is implicated in the causation of apathy; apathy subtypes based on the various frontal-subcortical loops may thus exist. Further research involving diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment is suggested.
van Reekum
Robert
R
Department of Psychiatry and Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Reserch Unit, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, University of Toronto, 3560 Bathurst St., Toronto, Ontario, M6A 2E1, Canada. rvanreekum@baycrest.org
Stuss
Donald T
DT
Ostrander
Laurie
L
D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D004645:Empathy; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D009042:Motivation