For more information on compulsive and impulsive behaviour visit Parkinson’s Europe website.
Parkinson’s drugs may lead to compulsive behaviours such as gambling
Special reports
Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 9 July 2018
Prep:
Cook:
Serves:

Common Parkinson’s drugs may cause patients to develop disorders including compulsive gambling, shopping, eating and sexual behaviours, a new study suggests
Researchers at the Sorbonne University, Paris, France have conducted a study that has found a link between common Parkinson’s drugs and compulsive behaviours – including gambling and shopping.
The study examined 411 people with Parkinson’s for an average duration of three years, during which they were interviewed about impulse control disorders.
In the group who had taken the dopamine agonist drugs, 52% went on to develop impulse control disorders. In comparison, 12% in the group who had not taken the drugs struggled with the disorders.
In addition, the study suggested those taking a higher dose of dopamine agonists are at a greater risk of impulse control disorders.
Dr Jean-Christophe Corvol, assistant professor in neuro-pharmacology at the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, France and author of the study published in medical journal ‘Neurology’, said: “Our study suggests that impulse control disorders are even more common than we thought in people who take dopamine agonists.
“These disorders can lead to serious financial, legal and social and psychological problems.”
Impulse control disorders had been identified as common in people with Parkinson’s disease prior to the study. However, these findings have established a clear relationship between dopamine replacement therapy and the disorders.
Commenting on the study, Dr Laura S Boylan, neurologist at New York University US, said: “These disorders can be challenging for neurologists to discover.
“People might be ashamed to tell their doctor about their problems – they may think these issues are not related to their Parkinson’s disease, or they may not even consider the disorders a problem.”
Read more:
Can a diabetes drug be repurposed to treat Parkinson’s too?
App improves adherence to Parkinson’s meds
Last Month
Next Month
Share this story
Related articles

Global update
Parkinson’s in the news: February
A roundup of Parkinson’s news stories in February
READ MORE
Global update
Michael J Fox opens up about living with Parkinson’s disease
The ‘Back to the Future’ star discusses his latest book
READ MORE
Europe
Watch: Icelandic football team takes to the pitch in Parkinson’s tops
Parkinson’s took centre stage in an international friendly against Ghana
READ MORE
Comments