Managing impulse control and related behavioral disorders in Parkinson's disease: where we are in 2025?

Introduction: Impulse control and related behavioral disorders (ICBDs) commonly complicate Parkinson's disease (PD) course. The ICBDs spectrum encompasses two groups of conditions, with distinct pathophysiology: proper 'impulse control disorders (ICDs)' (e.g. gambling) and the 'ICDs related disorders (ICDs-RD)' (e.g. punding). Behavioral disturbances are associated with dopamine replacement therapies. ICBDs affect quality of life of patients and caregivers, making their management essential for reducing PD overall burden.

Areas covered: This article reviews current management strategies for ICBDs in PD. The authors highlight strengths and limitations of these strategies, and explore the potential role of emerging treatment options, giving particular focus to new compounds and invasive therapies.

Expert opinion: Prevention, close monitoring, and caregiver involvement are essential in managing ICBDs in PD. Treatment approaches should be tailored to ICBDs' functional impact and aimed to reduce the pulsatile stimulation of dopamine receptors, especially D2. Dopamine agonist (DA) tapering remains the primary therapeutic approach, alongside psychotherapy and second-line agents, like atypical antipsychotics and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors. Insights into ICDs pathophysiology and DA-specific pharmacodynamics indicate safer profiles for certain preparations (e.g. rotigotine patches) and possibly for D1/D5 agonists like tavapadon. Invasive treatments, including deep brain stimulation and infusion therapies, should be prioritized in advanced-stage PD complicated by ICBDs.