Acamprosate for Treatment of Compulsive Behaviors and Craving in Parkinson's Disease

Acamprosate for Treatment of Compulsive Behaviors and Craving in Parkinson's Disease

The purpose of this study is to determine how many patients with Parkinson's disease have compulsive behaviors, and what types of behaviors they have. This study will also determine if acamprosate can be used to treat compulsive behaviors in Parkinson's disease patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Idiopathic Parkinson's disease
2. Active dopaminergic therapy at stable dose for one month (levodopa or dopamine agonist)
3. Able and willing to complete Rating Scales
4. Presence of one or more compulsive behavior based on responses to Rating Scales (defined as >5 on the SOGS; >17 on the YBOCS-SV and YBOCS-CUV; >1.7 on the SCS for women and >2.1 on the SCS for men; >15 on the YBOCS-BE, >5.5 on the CQ).
5. Written informed consent

Inclusion criteria (controls):

1. No significant psychiatric disease
2. Able and willing to complete Rating Scales
3. Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. No anticipated need for adjustment of medications for Parkinson's disease
2. Current participation in another clinical study
3. History of unstable psychiatric disease (as determined by the Principal Investigator)
4. Women of childbearing age not using appropriate contraceptive methods (oral contraceptives, condoms, surgery)