Impulse control behaviours: Jo's story
Impulse control behaviours are a possible side effect of some Parkinson’s medications. They can affect relationships, finances, and daily life, and are often difficult to talk about.
Reading time: 2 minutes
What are impulse control behaviours?
Impulse control behaviours are actions you feel a strong urge to do and find hard to stop. They often build up gradually.
A behaviour might start small and feel enjoyable or harmless at first. But over time, the urge can grow stronger, and stopping can feel increasingly difficult.
You might act without fully thinking things through or realising what’s happening at the time.
Jo's story
Jo explains how impulse control behaviours affected her, and the signs that she needed to ask for help:
"The problem crept up on me and it took some time for me to recognise what was happening. I’d been on ropinirole for around 3 years.
"I’ve always loved leather handbags and purses, and my husband always joked I had too many. I always thought carefully about a purchase and kept within a budget.
"I gradually started to realise that things were getting out of hand. I started spending a lot more money on bags and was purchasing them on a whim. I also bought other things I didn’t need just to feel the buzz of a purchase."
I started to become a bit secretive and order things for delivery when I knew my husband would not be around.
"I decided to mention my concerns to my Parkinson’s nurse, and she suggested reducing my ropinirole with a view to coming off it altogether.
"I feel fortunate that both my consultant and Parkinson’s nurse were aware of the possibility of impulsive behaviour and that, once recognised, it was addressed quite quickly."
I still have an eye for a nice bag, but I now consider things like the price and whether I have the occasion to use it.
"I no longer feel out of control or wake up regretting purchases from the evening before."