Impulse control disorders in Parkinson's disease

Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2006 Jul;6(4):302-6. doi: 10.1007/s11910-006-0022-y.

Abstract

There is an increasing awareness that impulse control disorders (ICDs), including pathologic gambling and compulsive sexual behavior, can occur as a complication of Parkinson's disease (PD). Anecdotal experience and case reporting have suggested an association between ICDs in PD and the use of dopamine agonists. Lacking established treatments for ICDs in PD, clinical management should initially consist of modifications to or discontinuation of dopamine replacement therapy, particularly dopamine agonists. It is important that PD patients be aware that dopamine agonist use may lead to the development of an ICD, and that clinicians monitor patients as part of routine clinical care. As empirically validated treatments for ICDs are emerging, it will be important to examine their efficacy and tolerability in individuals with co-occurring PD and ICDs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / diagnosis
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / etiology*
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / physiopathology
  • Dopamine Agonists / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Parkinson Disease / complications*
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy
  • Parkinson Disease / psychology

Substances

  • Dopamine Agonists