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Diagnostic criteria for apathy in neurocognitive disorders

  • David S. Miller
  • , Philippe Robert
  • , Larry Ereshefsky
  • , Lawrence Adler
  • , Daniel Bateman
  • , Jeff Cummings
  • , Steven T. DeKosky
  • , Corinne E. Fischer
  • , Masud Husain
  • , Zahinoor Ismail
  • , Judith Jaeger
  • , Alan J. Lerner
  • , Abby Li
  • , Constantine G. Lyketsos
  • , Valeria Manera
  • , Jacobo Mintzer
  • , Hans J. Moebius
  • , Moyra Mortby
  • , Didier Meulien
  • , Stephane Pollentier
  • Anton Porsteinsson, Jill Rasmussen, Paul B. Rosenberg, Myuri T. Ruthirakuhan, Mary Sano, Carla Zucchero Sarracini, Krista L. Lanctôt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

170 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: 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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1892-1904
Number of pages13
JournalAlzheimer's and Dementia
Volume17
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2021

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