Dopamine agonist induced compulsive eating behaviour in a Parkinson's disease patient

Abstract

Case description: A patient diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and Parkinson's disease developed a compulsive eating disorder when treated with a dopamine agonist, pramipexole. The patient had no history of psychiatric illnesses and upon the discontinuation of pramipexole his abnormal behavioural symptoms were resolved.

Conclusion: Physicians treating Parkinson's disease patients with dopamine replacement therapy should inquire about the development of any compulsive behaviours. Although uncommon, many of these non-motor symptoms go undiagnosed and can have a detrimental impact on a patient's quality of life.