Dopamine Dysregulation Syndrome

Dopamine Dysregulation Syndrome (DDS) is a condition that can occur in people with Parkinson’s disease who are on long-term dopamine replacement therapy. It involves compulsive overuse of Parkinson’s medication, leading to excessive dopamine levels in the brain. This can cause behaviors like addiction, impulsivity, mood swings, and emotional changes, disrupting daily life. Essentially, the brain's reward system becomes dysregulated, making it difficult to stop medication use despite negative effects. Addressing DDS often requires careful medication management and psychological support to balance dopamine levels and reduce harmful behaviors.