Partial dopamine agonist-induced pathological gambling and impulse-control deficit on low-dose aripiprazole.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a case of aripiprazole-induced problem gambling and impulse-control deficit in a gambling-naïve patient following commencement of low-dose aripiprazole.

METHOD: Case report.

RESULTS

This case adds to the literature on the dopamine partial agonist aripiprazole causing or exacerbating problem gambling, and extends that literature to low-dose use of aripiprazole in the gambling naïve.

CONCLUSIONS

When commencing a patient on aripiprazole the possibility of emergence of problem gambling and other impulse-control deficits should be monitored, even in those with no history of similar behaviours and even on a low dose.