[Hypersexuality in Parkinson's Disease]

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) often develop hypersexuality. Hypersexuality occurs in impulse control disorders (ICD), which are caused by dopamine replacement therapy. Hypersexuality becomes a burden for patients, their spouses, and caregivers and worsens their quality of life. Hypersexuality occurs in approximately 3-8% of patients with PD and tends to occur in young male patients. Other risk factors for hypersexuality in PD include cognitive impairment, a history of depression or pathological gambling, and impulsive or novelty-seeking personality traits. Dopamine agonists are more likely to cause hypersexuality; however, levodopa can also cause hypersexuality. The average duration of medication use in patients with PD with hypersexuality is 6.5years. Treatment for hypersexuality involves reducing, switching, or discontinuing dopamine replacement therapy, particularly dopamine agonists. Drugs must be carefully selected for young male patients at high risk of developing hypersexuality.