Yes, this is something others with Parkinson's can relate to! Obsessive and compulsive behaviors are actually quite common, affecting at least 14% of people living with Parkinson's. Screen time can easily become one of those "rabbit hole" activities that feeds into this pattern.
These behaviors are often linked to how Show Full Answer
Yes, this is something others with Parkinson's can relate to! Obsessive and compulsive behaviors are actually quite common, affecting at least 14% of people living with Parkinson's. Screen time can easily become one of those "rabbit hole" activities that feeds into this pattern.
These behaviors are often linked to how Parkinson's medications affect dopamine — the brain's "pleasure chemical." Dopamine agonists in particular can supercharge the brain's reward system, making repetitive or engaging activities like scrolling or browsing feel very hard to stop.
One MyParkinsonsTeam member shared how their partner became obsessively focused on taking objects apart and reassembling them — it even led to costly repair bills. Others have channeled similar energy into creative projects, which turned out to be a more positive outlet. Here are some things that may help manage this:
- Talk to your doctor — they may adjust your dopamine agonist dosage
- Redirect the energy into activities like art, music, woodworking, or even video games
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help recognize and shift unhelpful thought patterns
- Set time limits on phone/computer use as a practical boundary
It's always worth mentioning new or worsening behaviors to your neurologist or care team so they can help find the right approach for you.
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