2020 issue 3

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Volume 36, issue 3

Review article

Hypersexuality and pharmacological treatment options

Beata Kocyan1,2, Anna Knapik1,2, Martyna Kozłowska1,2, Ewa Martyniak1, Grzegorz Brożek2, Marek Krzystanek1
1. Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice
2. Department of Epidemiology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice
Farmakoterapia w Psychiatrii i Neurologii 2020, 36 (3), 227-237
Date of publication: 04-10-2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33450/fpn.2020.08.002
Keywords: sexoholism, behavioral addictions, pharmacotherapy

Abstract

Objectives. There are no standardised guidelines regarding the pharmacotherapy of compulsive sexual beha­viour. The paper aims to review the available literature concerning the treatment of excessive sexual activity disorders. Specific mechanisms underlying hypersexu­ality and the consequent potential differences in its treatment were considered.

Literature review. The classification of sexual dis­orders related to excessive sexual activity is rather problematic. Both DSM-5 and ICD-11 lack in a homogenous classification of this disorder. Currently, the safest and most beneficial drugs for patients with non-paraphilic disorders seem to be SSRI medications. Drugs presenting an antiandrogenic action (LHRH) are not recommen­ded due to their side effects, apart from cases proceeding with severe symptoms. Promising results were obtained in a trial with naltrexone; yet, the study did not fulfil methodological norms. Other medications used in the treatment of hypersexuality are of minor importance; however, they may be used especially when psychiatric comorbidities are present.

Conclusions. The best effects in the treatment of compulsive sexual behaviour are obtained with the combination of psychotherapy and SSRI drugs. Few methodologically correct studies have been performed. Most studies are carried out on small groups and fail to use methods which would enable to compare various thera­peutic options. Research on the pharmacotherapy of non-paraphilic hypersexuality should be continued, especially regarding drugs which may act on the obsessi­ve-compulsive mechanism.

Address for correspondence:
prof. dr hab. n. med. i n. o zdr. Marek Krzystanek
Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach
Katedra i Klinika Psychiatrii i Psychoterapii
ul. Ziołowa 45/47, 40-635 Katowice
phone/fax: 322059260, phone: 693281021