Impulse control disorders in patients with dopamine agonist-treated pituitary adenomas: a cross-sectional multicenter...

Impulse control disorders (ICDs) have been described as underrecognized side effects of dopamine agonists (DAs) in neurological disorders but are not sufficiently understood in endocrine conditions.

To identify the prevalence of DAs induced ICDs and determine potential risk factors related to these disorders in patients with prolactinoma and non-function pituitary adenomas (NFPAs).

This is a cross-sectional multicenter study involving 200 patients with prolactinoma and NFPAs, who received follow-ups in tertiary referral centers. DA-induced ICDs were assessed using ICD questionnaires modified from prior studies.

At least one ICD was reported by 52% of participants, among whom 28.5% mentioned compulsive shopping, 24.5% punding, and 24.5% hypersexuality. Furthermore, 33% of the patients reported the presence of one type of ICD behavior, while 12% specified two and 7% had three types of such behavior. The multivariable logistic regression showed that the significant risk factors of ICD were younger age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88-0.97, p 0.001), being single (AOR: 0.15, 95%CI: 0.03-0.84, p 0.03), and a positive history of psychiatric illness (AOR: 7.67, 95% CI: 1.37-42.97, p 0.021).

ICDs with a broad range of psychiatric symptoms are common in individuals with DA-treated prolactinoma and NFPAs. Endocrinologists should be aware of this potential side effect, particularly in patients with a personal history of psychiatric disorder.