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Treatment of the Paraphilic Disorders: A Review of the Role of the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

NCJ Number
168316
Journal
Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment Volume: 9 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1997) Pages: 349-360
Author(s)
D M Greenberg; J M W Bradford
Date Published
1997
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article briefly reviews psychopharmacological treatment of paraphilic disorders and recent therapeutic advances.
Abstract
During the past 5 years there have been 14 case reports or open trials documenting the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment of paraphilics. This article discusses the hypothetical role of serotonin in human sexual behavior and reviews the efficacy of SSRIs in the treatment of paraphilic disorders. Although no double-blind placebo-controlled studies have been completed, the results of other tests seem to hold promise for these alternative medications in the treatment of paraphilic disorders and possibly in individuals with inappropriately high sexual drives. The article compares paraphilic disorders to other diagnoses and examines treatment alternatives, including aversive conditioning, surgical castration and biological treatments. In addition, the article discusses the role of serotonin in sexual behavior, and selective SSRIs. References