Dopamine Agonist-Induced Impulse Control Disorders in Patients With Prolactinoma: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study

Dopamine agonist (DA)-induced impulse control disorder (ICD) in patients with prolactinomas is not sufficiently known.

To evaluate the prevalence of DA-induced ICDs and possible risk factors related to these disorders in patients with prolactinoma.

This is a cross-sectional multicenter study involving 308 patients with prolactinoma followed up in tertiary referral centers who received at least three months of DA therapy. DA-induced ICDs (pathological gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive shopping, and compulsive eating) and impulsivity were assessed using the Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson Disease and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11, respectively. Patients were evaluated in terms of parameters related to ICD development.

Any ICD prevalence was 17% (n = 51). Hypersexuality was most common (6.5%). Although any ICD and hypersexuality were more common in male patients (P = 0.009, P < 0.001, respectively), compulsive eating was more common in female patients (P = 0.046). Current smoking, alcohol use, and gambling history were more frequent (P = 0.033, P = 0.002, P = 0.008, respectively) in patients with any ICD. In Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 total, attentional, motor, and nonplanning scores were higher in patients with any ICD (P < 0.001). Current smoking and alcohol use were more frequent (P = 0.007, P = 0.003, respectively) and percentage increase of testosterone levels at last visit was higher (P = 0.021) in male patients with prolactinomas with hypersexuality.

Any ICD may be seen in one of six patients with prolactinoma who are receiving DA therapy. Endocrinology specialists should be aware of this side effect, particularly in male patients with a history of gambling, smoking, or alcohol use.