Psychopharmacologic intervention in addictive sexual behavior

Abstract

Psychotropic medication intervention in 300 inpatients being treated for addictive sexual behavior is reviewed. Theories and open trial case reports of psychotropic medication response are outlined. Terminology and DSM-IV are discussed; paraphilic and nonparaphilic behaviors and the sexual addiction model are defined. Sexual addiction is divided into three major categories based on medication response: Sexual Addiction with Three Subtypes, Sexual Addiction with Major Mood Disorder, and Sexual Addiction with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Clinical case examples are given, and effective medications are described. While case reports are promising, no psychotropic medications specifically manage sexually addictive behavior. Treatment of associated psychiatric disorders helps patients become more accessible to their sexual addiction issues.