Objective: To explore the psychosocial impact (impact on quality of life, self-compassion, self-esteem & shame) of receiving treatment for sialorrhea in people with Parkinson’s.

Background: Sialorrhea, or drooling, is one of the most debilitating complaints reported in people with Parkinson’s (Isaacson et al 2020). Sialorrhea in Parkinson’s has been linked with a reduced quality of life, low self-esteem, embarrassment, shame and social isolation (Kalf et al 2007). Cardiff and Vale University Health Board runs a clinic offering Xeomin injections used to treat sialorrhea. There is currently limited evidence highlighting the psychosocial impact of sialorrhea and of treating sialorrhea.

Method: Six male patients (age ranging 67 – 81; disease duration between 6 – 20 years) received a Xeomin injection at a Parkinson’s Sialorrhea clinic. Patients were evaluated before and 2-weeks after receiving a Xeomin injection, using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, Sussex Oxford Compassion Scale, and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. Two scales used routinely by the Sialorrhea Clinic were also administered: the Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale, and the ‘Best Imaginable Health State’ thermometer 0-100. Semi-structured interviews 2-weeks post-Xenomin injection were also completed with the patients and carers.

Results: Thematic analysis revealed the following themes:  

(1) Reduction of anxiety in relation to social situations 

“It feels easier that he is not so anxious about it [drooling] going out shopping and we been out for lunch a couple times and he didn’t seem so anxious” (carer) 

(2) Increased social connectedness 

“It has had quite a major effect on my wellbeing, I’ve been able to take part in more conversations, which means an awful lot to me” 

(3) Increased confidence 

“I found before going out was difficult because… but now I feel a bit more confident”.

Conclusion: This evaluation highlights the psychosocial impact of receiving treatment for sialorrhea for people with Parkinson’s and their carers. This includes reduced anxiety, increased social connectedness and increased confidence. This in turn has a positive impact on the quality of life for patients and carers. We hope this evaluation increases awareness of the psychosocial impact of sialorrhea for people with Parkinson’s and provides rationale to continue resourcing this valuable service.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/an-exploration-of-the-psychosocial-impact-of-receiving-treatment-at-a-sialorrhea-clinic-for-people-with-parkinsons-disease/