Impulsive: 10. Reflections

Impulsive: 10. Reflections

From Shadow World by BBC Radio 4

February 13, 2026 · 14 min · Season 7 · Episode 10

About this episode

This episode explores the challenges of discussing impulse control disorders related to Parkinson's medication and the impact on personality.

Impulse control disorders are a common side effect of dopamine agonist drugs - it’s generally accepted that they will affect around 1 in 6 people taking these drugs for Parkinson’s. So why are these side effects so hard to talk about? How can people get past their guilt and shame to access the support they need? And if subtle changes in the activity of chemicals in our brain can cause us to behave so differently - what is personality? Details of organisations offering help and support with some of the issues raised are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline. If you have any concerns about medication you’re taking, speak to your doctor. Presenter: Noel Titheradge Producer: Lucy Burns Editor: Matt Willis A BBC News Long Form Audio production

People in this episode

Host: Noel Titheradge

Topics covered

  • impulse control disorders
  • dopamine agonist drugs
  • Parkinson's disease
  • guilt and shame
  • support and help
  • personality

Keywords

  • impulse control
  • dopamine
  • Parkinson's
  • support
  • personality
  • guilt
  • shame

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Radio 4, BBC News Long Form Audio, bbc.co.uk

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