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Resolution of Othello Syndrome After Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation in 3 Patients with Parkinson's Disease
Author(s) -
Adam Robert J.,
McLeod Robert,
Ha Ainhi D.,
Colebatch James G.,
Menzies Graham,
Moore Gregory,
Mahant Neil,
Fung Victor S.C.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
movement disorders clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.754
H-Index - 18
ISSN - 2330-1619
DOI - 10.1002/mdc3.12084
Subject(s) - deep brain stimulation , contraindication , subthalamic nucleus , medicine , dopaminergic , parkinson's disease , disease , psychiatry , parkinsonism , psychology , dopamine , alternative medicine , pathology
Abstract Psychiatric symptoms are historically thought a relative contraindication to DBS for advanced Parkinson's disease ( PD ). However, in the case of drug‐induced mental illness, DBS may provide an acceptable alternative for the treatment of motor symptoms. This allows reduction of pharmacological dopaminergic therapy that might otherwise cause negative psychiatric consequences. For example, DBS is increasingly used to ameliorate specific complications of PD treatment , such as impulse control disorders. We present a series of 3 cases of young male patients who developed Othello syndrome ( OS ) during treatment with dopamine agonists. In each case, the OS resolved with withdrawal of the offending drug. Subsequent treatment with bilateral STN DBS improved motor symptoms and allowed reduction in their dopaminergic drug regimen. We therefore propose that drug‐induced psychopathology may be an indication (rather than a contraindication) for DBS in selected cases.