Depression may be associated with impulse control disorders in Parkinson’s disease

This study investigated the role of depression in impulse control disorders (ICD) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Researchers suggested that depression is associated with ICD in these patients.

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects brain cells. The abilities controlled by these cells are lost causing physical and/or mental symptoms. Around 35% of these patients have depression symptoms and 40% have ICD over the course of their illness. ICD is a mental disorder associated with the failure to resist a temptation or urge.

Prior studies suggested that depression was higher in patients with ICD. Moreover, the use of some anti-PD drugs (such as dopamine agonists) are also an effective treatment for depression. These drugs have been associated with ICD. However, it is not known if depression may be a risk factor for ICD in patients with PD.  

This study included 354 patients with PD. Of these, 68 had depression symptoms at the beginning of the study. None of the patients had ICD at the beginning of the study. The average follow-up was 4 years.

Patients with depression symptoms were 1.96 times more at risk of developing ICD. The patients being treated with dopamine agonists were 1.87 more at risk of having ICD.

This study concluded that patients with PD and depression face a higher risk of ICD when receiving dopamine agonists.

This study included younger patients with PD, which may not represent the general population. 

If you have any concerns regarding depressive symptoms, please discuss with your doctor.