Hypersexuality in Dementia.
- Author:
Jin Sook CHEON
1
Author Information
1. Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kosin University, School of Medicine, Busan, Korea. cheonjs@kosin.md
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Dementia;
Hypersexuality;
Burden;
Cimetidine;
Spironolactone;
Cholinesterase inhibitor
- MeSH:
Androgen Antagonists;
Antipsychotic Agents;
Cholinesterase Inhibitors;
Cholinesterases;
Cimetidine;
Dementia*;
Estrogens;
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone;
Humans;
Libido;
Sexual Behavior;
Spironolactone
- From:Journal of Korean Geriatric Psychiatry
2003;7(1):76-82
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Hypersexual behavior such as increased libido, change in sexual orientation or disinhibition had been reported in dementia. Mechanism and treatment measures were reviewed. METHOD: A medline search was undertaken for papers written by English since 1970. RESULTS: Careful evaluation of past medical and sexual history should be undertaken as well as review of medication. SSRIs may be the first line because they are relatively safe. And then antiandrogens, estrogens or gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues can be tried. Effect of atypical antipsychotics or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were also suggested. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms of hypersexuality in dementia often cause feelings of embarrasment and become immense burden to relatives and healthworkers. Some pharmacological agents were promising. For example, combination of cimetidine or spironolactone and a cholinesterase inhibitor can be useful.
