Identification and Management of Impulse Control Disorders Among Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-2011
Journal
Journal of Current Clinical Care
First Page
33
Last Page
40
Abstract
Although Parkinson’s disease is primarily considered to be a motor disorder, it has inarguable effects on cognition and personality. The cluster of neuropsychiatric sequelae known as impulse-control disorders has been of particular interest in recent years, perhaps owing to the potentially disastrous effects that such behaviors can have on individuals and families. Research has suggested that impulse control disorders are significantly more prevalent among individuals with Parkinson’s disease, particularly with regards to pathological gambling and hypersexuality, and has further suggested that these disorders are significantly and substantively affected by the use of dopamine agonists. Treatment options for impulse control disorders tend to revolve around dopamine agonist dose reduction or cessation. The use of psychosocial strategies, or deep-brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus may also be considered in the management of patients with impulse control disorders.
