To evaluate mood symptoms in patients who took part in our initial study to define changes two years after first assessment.

We targeted patients who underwent testing in the phase I of this study and invited them to participate in assessment using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Index-II (BDI). We also performed pain and quality of life measures using Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Ratings Scale – 2 Pain (TWSTRS2P) and Cervical Dystonia Impact Profile- 58 (CDIP58). 

53 patients from our initial study took part. 28% of men and 54% of women met criteria for anxiety and/or depression. Four patients with current mood disorder did not meet criteria for either anxiety or depression at first assessment. Five patients who previously met criteria for mood disorder now had normal BAI and BDI. BAI did not show significant differences between the two assessment t(22) -0.432, p=0.672. BDI also did not show differences between the two time points t(22) -0.78, p= 0.44. There was no sex difference in the prevalence of an elevated BAI scores (p= 0.136; M-W U= 149). The  prevalence of an abnormal BDI-II showed significant sex difference (women 66%; men 20%; p= 0.02; M-W U= 115).

Symptoms of anxiety and depression did not change significantly during the course of the cervical dystonia; although it should be noted that in a lifelong disorder, two years assessments insufficient. Despite all patients being treated with botulinum toxin, these symptoms persist indicating that mood disorder is a primary disease phenomenon. Clinicians should monitor mood symptoms at least annually.