Pharmacotherapy of Sexual Addiction

Leo Malandain (1, 2) , Jean-Victor Blanc (1, 2) , Florian Ferreri (1, 2) , Florence Thibaut (3)

1 CHU Saint-Antoine [AP-HP]
2 SU - Sorbonne Université
3 IPNP - U1266 Inserm - Institut de psychiatrie et neurosciences de Paris

Purpose of review: We reviewed recent data on sexual addiction and its treatment. We examined the different definitions of this disorder, related to the pathophysiological mechanisms. We addressed the pharmacological treatment of sexual addiction. Recent findings: Hypersexual behavior can be considered an addictive disorder. Sexual addiction is accompanied by significant psychiatric and addictive comorbidities and is responsible for life impairment. A comprehensive and efficient treatment must be proposed. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors seem the first-line pharmacological treatment for sexual addiction. Naltrexone could be another therapeutic option. Summary: Psychotherapy and preferentially cognitive-behavioral therapy should be used in association with pharmacotherapy and treatments of comorbidities. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors seem the first-line pharmacological treatment for sexual addiction. Naltrexone could be another therapeutic option. Psychotherapy and preferentially cognitive-behavioral therapy should be used in association with pharmacotherapy and treatments of comorbidities.

Mots clés: Pharmacological treatment; Hypersexuality; SSRI; Sexual addiction; Compulsive sexual behavior; Chemsex

Domaines: Psychiatrie et santé mentale; Pharmacologie

Leo Malandain, Jean-Victor Blanc, Florian Ferreri, Florence Thibaut. Pharmacotherapy of Sexual Addiction. Current Psychiatry Reports, 2020, 22 (6), pp.30. ⟨10.1007/s11920-020-01153-4⟩. ⟨hal-02880933⟩