Prevalence and risk factors of dopamine agonists induced impulse control disorders in patients with prolactinoma

ObjectiveThis study sought to determine the frequency and factors influencing Impulsive Control Disorders (ICDs) in prolactinoma patients undergoing treatment with dopamine agonists.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving a convenience sample of 170 patients diagnosed with prolactinoma and receiving dopamine agonist therapy for at least 6 months. Participants were recruited from a single center.ResultsAt least one self-reported ICD symptom was present in 23.5% of patients. The most prevalent ICD symptoms were binge eating (17.7%), hypersexuality (14.7%), and compulsive shopping (11.8%). Correlates of ICD symptoms were male gender, macroprolactinoma, elevated prolactin levels, and a previous mental disease history. The likelihood of ICDs increased with the cumulative dose of dopamine agonist medication and the length of treatment. Moreover, individuals with moderate to severe anxiety and depression had a greater risk for ICDs compared to those without the former symptoms.ConclusionsClinicians should prioritize attention to risk factors during initial diagnosis and ongoing treatment of patients with prolactinoma that may elevate the risk of CDs.