Parkinson's drugs and compulsive behaviour
Research suggests that around 14% of people taking dopamine agonists, a group of drugs used to
treat Parkinson's, will experience some form of compulsive
behaviour.
Our helpline deals with many enquiries related to side effects and adverse responses to drugs. Call us on 0808 800 0303 for free and confidential support.
Tim Moore, Helpline Manager
Some studies have suggested that other types of Parkinson's medication can also produce similar
side effects.
Compulsive behaviour is when a person has an inability to resist
a temptation or an impulse to carry out certain activities.
These activities may eventually cause harm to the person or
others and the behaviour is typically out of character.
Types of compulsive behaviour
Compulsive behaviour can be expressed in a number of different
ways, including:
- pathological (addictive) gambling
- compulsive shopping - a preoccupation with buying or
shopping
- compulsive (binge) eating
- hypersexuality - when people find themselves preoccupied with
sexual feelings and thoughts
Punding or 'compulsive hobbyism' is characterised by:
- an intense fascination with repetitive manipulations of
technical equipment
- the continual sorting of common objects
- hoarding
- pointless driving or walking
- talking in extended monologues without any content
Addiction to Parkinson's medication is when a person takes more
of a drug than is required to control their Parkinson's symptoms
For more information, read our free publications:
Are certain people more susceptible to compulsive
behaviour?
Compulsive behaviour is more likely to occur in people diagnosed with Parkinson's under the age of
50
It's possible that compulsive behaviour may affect those with a
potential genetic susceptibility and/or an underlying behavioural
vulnerability.
People with a history of 'risk-taking', for example gambling,
drug abuse or alcoholism, are believed to be more likely to develop
compulsive behaviour associated with dopaminergic drugs. In these
people they are usually, but not always, associated with dopamine
addiction (dopamine dysregulation syndrome).
Treatment for compulsive behaviour
Compulsive behaviour is abnormal. Anyone experiencing it
should seek help from a Parkinson's nurse, consultant or GP
urgently. You can also call our free and confidential helpline 0808 800 0303
As the person themselves may not realise that there is a
problem, it is key that carers and family members note any abnormal
behaviour and discuss it with the appropriate professional at the
earliest possible stage.
Compulsive behaviour can be controlled. Treatment can involve
reducing the daily dose of Parkinson's medication, undertaking
psychotherapy and also considering whether to try other types of
medication.
We do not advise anyone to stop taking or change their
Parkinson's drugs without seeking the advice of their health
professional.
You'll find more detail in our Compulsive behaviour and Parkinson's information
sheet
Real life stories
Several people have decided to share their
experiences of how the compulsive behaviour they developed after
taking Parkinson's drugs affected them.
They hope that their stories will help others identify any
potential issues, and take action immediately.
You'll also find details of how some Parkinson's drugs can
affect sex and relationships in our Intimate relationships and Parkinson's
booklet
Legal action against drug manufacturers
We understand that for anyone thinking of taking legal action
there may be a limited time frame in which to do so.
Anyone considering this path would need to seek specialist legal
advice as soon as possible.
The Law
Society should be able to advise individuals further. They can
be contacted on 020 7242 1222.
More drug treatments of Parkinson's
Return to the drug treatment of
Parkinson's main page
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