Factors associated with the development of impulse compulsive disorders in Parkinson patients

The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence of impulse compulsive disorder (ICD) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and to study potential associative factors that may be related to the onset of ICD while on parkinsonian medications.

The study was conducted in two parts. In Part A, the prevalence of ICD in 140 PD patients was first assessed, followed by identifying any common variables that may be associated with the development of ICD. Finally, using a detailed chart review, Part B of the study examined the prevalence of ICD in all patients who presented with identical risk factors gathered in Part A.

Of the 140 patients, 8 patients developed symptoms of ICD. Seven of these patients were found to have five common variables that included gender (males), stages 1-2 of PD, young onset of PD, maximum dosage of the drug and the use of dopamine agonists (DAs). Of the 140 patients, 22 patients fit the above-mentioned five criteria and of those 22 patients, 33% developed symptoms of ICD.

The use of DA therapy in the treatment of PD patients should be carefully monitored, especially in younger male patients who exhibit early signs of parkinsonian symptoms. As such, it is crucial for physicians to adjust DA dosages while also seeking alternative treatments to avoid the risk of ICD while on DAs.