Pharmacotherapy for inappropriate sexual behaviors in dementia: a systematic review of literature

Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2008 Aug-Sep;23(4):344-54. doi: 10.1177/1533317508318369.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to systematically review the published literature on pharmacotherapy for inappropriate sexual behaviors in dementia. Literature search of the 5 databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and COCHRANE collaboration) and the analysis of the data available for the pharmacotherapeutic treatments of inappropriate sexual behaviors in dementia were carried out. There are no published randomized controlled trials of pharmacotherapy for inappropriate sexual behaviors in dementia, but available data form uncontrolled trials, case series, and individual case reports suggest efficacy for antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, hormonal agents, cimetidine, and pindolol for the treatment of these behaviors. Although there are no controlled data for the treatment of inappropriate sexual behaviors in dementia, available data suggest efficacy for some commonly used pharmacotherapeutic agents.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Dementia / complications
  • Dementia / drug therapy*
  • Dementia / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests / statistics & numerical data
  • Paraphilic Disorders / drug therapy
  • Paraphilic Disorders / etiology
  • Paraphilic Disorders / psychology
  • Sexual Behavior / drug effects*
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Antipsychotic Agents