Resolution of dopamine dysregulation syndrome following cessation of dopamine agonist therapy in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract Repetitive and compulsive behaviours can occur in association with the use of dopaminergic medications for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). This syndrome has been referred to as the ‘dopamine dysregulation syndrome’. The prognosis for patients with this syndrome is unclear. We report five PD patients in whom the abnormal behaviours resolved completely after withdrawal of dopamine agonist therapy. We alert clinicians to the apparent role of dopamine agonists in this syndrome. In addition, we highlight the potential reversibility of the syndrome, its varied phenomenology and its potential pathophysiology.