Session Information
Date: Monday, June 5, 2017
Session Title: Parkinson's Disease: Non-Motor Symptoms
Session Time: 1:45pm-3:15pm
Location: Exhibit Hall C
Objective: The main aim of the project was to determine the frequency of impulsive compulsive behaviors (ICB) in patients with Parkinson´s disease (PD) in Kannur, India. The secondary aim was to investigate risk factors relevant for ICB.
Background: PD is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder which effects predominantly dopaminergic neurons located in the basal ganglia, causing the motor manifestations of the disorder. Current treatment aims to strengthen the remaining dopaminergic activity and includes medications such as levodopa and dopamine agonists (DA). Behavioral and psychiatric disorders related to PD and its treatment, for example ICB, can severely interfere with patient´s daily function and social life. To prevent the negative consequences’ of ICB, it is important to detect, monitor and support the effected patients.
Methods: In four different neurology clinics in Kannur, India, PD patients were interviewed in their native language, using validated questionnaires concerning PD and ICB.
Results: 72 patients participated, of which12 (16.7%) screened positive for ICB.
History of gambling and motor complications were significantly related to ICB. (p = 0.002 and p = 0.048 respectively).
Gender, smoking, alcohol use, previous psychiatric disease, and treatment with levodopa or DA were not significantly related to ICB.
Conclusions: According to our results, ICB is not a rare complication in patients with PD, as 17 % suffered from it. It is important that health care professionals actively inquire about this.
Risk factors for ICB are a history of gambling and the existence of motor complications.
ICB most be approached with respect and delicacy to allow and encourage patients to report such sensitive and intimate information about their psycho-social condition, and to accept treatment.
References: 1. Sharma A, Goyal V, Behari M, Srivastva A, Shukla G, Vibha D. Impulse control disorders and related behaviours (ICD-RBs) in Parkinson’s disease patients: Assessment using “Questionnaire for impulsive-compulsive disorders in Parkinson’s disease” (QUIP). Ann Indian Acad Neurol, 2015. 18(1): p. 49-59.
2. Weintraub, D. and M.J. Nirenberg, Impulse control and related disorders in Parkinson’s disease. Neurodegener Dis, 2013. 11(2): p. 63-71.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
N. Svensson, S. Ovallath, R. Constantinescu. Impulsive-compulsive behaviors in patients with Parkinson´s disease in Kannur, India [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2017; 32 (suppl 2). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/impulsive-compulsive-behaviors-in-patients-with-parkinsons-disease-in-kannur-india/. Accessed June 15, 2025.« Back to 2017 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/impulsive-compulsive-behaviors-in-patients-with-parkinsons-disease-in-kannur-india/