A case of kleptomania and compulsive sexual behavior treated with naltrexone

Ann Clin Psychiatry. 2001 Dec;13(4):229-31. doi: 10.1023/a:1014626102110.

Abstract

Objective of this paper was to examine a possible treatment option for two disorders currently lacking agreed upon pharmacotherapeutic interventions. We report a patient fulfilling DSM-IV criteria for kleptomania with comorbid compulsive sexual behavior who failed to respond to fluoxetine, behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy, and who was therefore treated with naltrexone to reduce urges to steal and sexual urges. Treatment with high-dose naltrexone (150 mg/day) led to remission of both the patient's urges to steal and sexual urges. Discontinuation and rechallenge with the medication provides further support that improvement was due to naltrexone. Naltrexone in high doses show promise for the treatment of both kleptomania and compulsive sexual behavior.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Compulsive Behavior / complications
  • Compulsive Behavior / drug therapy*
  • Compulsive Behavior / psychology
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / complications
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Naltrexone / administration & dosage
  • Naltrexone / therapeutic use*
  • Narcotic Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Narcotic Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Naltrexone