DDS - Dopamine Dysregulation Syndrome Explained
The chemical dopamine is a critically important component of the brain’s reward centre. Irregularities in the way dopamine is produced and used can lead to addiction and a host of subsequent problems.
What Is Dopamine Dysregulation Syndrome?
Dopamine dysregulation syndrome is a recently recognised dysfunction of the brain’s reward system affecting people taking dopaminergic (“releasing/producing dopamine”) medication over protracted periods. It is typically seen in people suffering from Parkinson’s disease who take dopamine replacement medication – especially the drug carbidopa/levodopa – to ease some of the symptoms of that terrible condition. Around 4% of Parkinson’s sufferers who take such medicine will develop the condition, which sees them not only craving the drug itself as with other substance abuse disorders, but also potentially developing a range of other behavioural addictions such as shopping, gambling and/or sex addictions.
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What Causes Dopamine Dysregulation Syndrome?
The exact mechanisms driving dopamine dysregulation syndrome are not fully understood, but it is thought that the reward system is disrupted by the presence of abnormal levels of dopamine over a prolonged period, contributing to the development of tolerance and addiction to dopaminergic medication, and making other addictions much more likely.
Dopamine Dysregulation Syndrome as an Addiction Symptom
Dopamine dysregulation syndrome is not so much a symptom of addiction as a driver of it. By definition, those suffering from it are experiencing a disorder of the brain’s reward system which we call addiction. Dopamine dysregulation syndrome can not only constitute an addiction in itself but also facilitate the development of various other addictions, each of which can have their own specific symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Dopamine Dysregulation Syndrome?
Alongside the cravings, other symptoms may include euphoria, disinhibition, delusions of grandeur and/or omnipotence, and – at the other end of the mood spectrum – dysphoria, sadness, apathy are all relatively common. Impulse control disorders including compulsive gambling and shopping, eating disorders and hypersexuality, as well as aggression and even psychosis might also be experienced as a symptom.
How Is Dopamine Dysregulation Syndrome Diagnosed?
If any of the aforementioned symptoms manifest in someone who is taking dopaminergic medication for Parkinson’s disease, a doctor will conduct an assessment (which may include a questionnaire) in an attempt to develop a formal diagnosis. There are no laboratory tests which can currently confirm the presence of dopamine dysregulation syndrome.
How Is Dopamine Dysregulation Syndrome Treated?
Dopamine dysregulation syndrome poses a significant challenge to sufferers and to those treating them since they typically require dopaminergic medication in order to alleviate as much as possible the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Ready to Get Help for Your Addiction?
If you suffer from Parkinson’s disease and have developed dopamine dysregulation syndrome as a result of the medication you are taking for that condition it is easy to despair, as you may see no way out. After all, the consequences of stopping your medicine are worse even than living with dopamine dysregulation. It is important not to lose hope, however – your condition may be managed and symptoms alleviated without interrupting the treatment for your underlying condition. If you are able to acknowledge your situation and reach out to help, that help will be there for you.
Take control of your life – get started on the road to recovery
Dopamine dysregulation syndrome need not be a destructive condition – be open and honest with your doctor and take back control of your own life, so you can enjoy the benefits of ongoing treatment without fear of negative consequences.
Get help today
It is crucial that you address your situation as early as possible to avoid doing lasting damage. Speak with your GP and/or an addiction specialist today to discuss what may be done to ease the burden of dopamine dysregulation syndrome.
Call our admissions line 24 hours a day to get help.
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