Hypersexuality is a rare impulse control disorder (ICD) that can occur in Parkinson’s disease (PD), often as a side effect of dopaminergic medications used to treat the condition. It involves intrusive sexual thoughts, urges, and behaviors that are excessive, uncontrollable, and negatively affect a person’s life. While common sexual issues in PD are often a decrease in libido, a minority of patients may develop hypersexuality, which can cause significant distress to both the patient and their family, according to the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) and the Better Health Channel.

Causes and Risk Factors
Dopaminergic Medications: The most significant cause is believed to be dopaminergic therapies, particularly dopamine agonists, that are used to manage PD symptoms. These medications can increase dopamine levels, which may stimulate sexual motivation and behavior.
Risk Factors: Some factors increase the risk of developing hypersexuality, including being male, younger age at PD onset, and a history of novelty-seeking behaviors.

Symptoms and Definition
Unwanted Urges and Thoughts: Patients may experience recurring and excessive sexual fantasies or urges that they cannot control.
Compulsive Behavior: This leads to repetitive engagement in sexual behaviors, even when they are inappropriate, offensive, or lead to personal problems.
Lack of Satiety: Unlike typical sexual experiences, orgasm may not provide relief or satisfaction.
Disruption of Life: The time and energy consumed by sexual thoughts and behaviors can interfere with other important aspects of life.

Management
Consult a Doctor: It is crucial to discuss any changes in sexual behavior with a healthcare professional, as patients may not connect their symptoms to their medication.
Medication Adjustment: The most effective treatment is often adjusting or discontinuing the offending dopaminergic medication.
Multidisciplinary Team: A team including a doctor, social worker, and potentially a sex therapist can help manage the issue and its effects on the patient and their family, says ScienceDirect.com.
Behavioral Therapy: Non-pharmacological interventions may also be used to help manage the inappropriate sexual behaviors.
FROM: Parkinson’s disease and sexual issues | Better Health Channel