Treating Parkinson's disease: Dopamine dysregulation syndrome and impulse control

Abstract

Dopamine dysregulation syndrome (DDS) has emerged as a recognized complication of dopamine replacement therapy (DRT) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. This syndrome is characterized by increased addictive patterns of behaviour in relation to DRT use, and results in impulse control disorders (ICDs), including compulsive gambling, compulsive shopping, compulsive eating, hypersexuality and punding (repetitive and excessive, aimless behaviour). Such symptoms can have devastating social, occupational and financial effects on the patient and the carer. The clinical manifestation of DDS is often not straightforward: the patient may not have the insight to recognize symptoms, and the symptoms of the syndrome do not always occur in a recognized pattern of disease progression and may be expressed individually. Clinical staff may find the assessment of DDS in clinical practice very difficult. It is important to gain evidence from carers, but this may not always be easy due to a sense of loyalty or feelings of guilt and shame. This article aims to describe the syndrome and highlight the psychosocial issues related to DDS, and the medical and surgical management options available, as well as developments in psychological therapies.