Parkinson's disease meds increase risk of compulsive gambling, shopping, binge eating
These disorders can have disastrous personal, professional and financial consequences if not recognized or treated, researchers report in the journal Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics . Authors of the paper include José Biller, MD, and first author Adolfo Ramirez-Zamora , MD, who completed a residency in neurology at Loyola. The article details the latest findings for treating impulse control disorders (ICDs) in Parkinson's disease patients, including adjusting medications, deep brain stimulation and a counseling technique called cognitive behavioral therapy. One large, previous national study found that approximately 14 percent of Parkinson's disease patients experience at least one ICD. The disorders are more common in men. Men are more likely to display hypersexuality and pathological gambling, while women are more likely to exhibit compulsive eating and buying. Potentially catastrophic consequences include financial ruin, divorce and loss of employment. Patients ...