Naltrexone in Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder: A Feasibility Study of Twenty Men.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) is a common disorder affecting different areas of life, although studies focusing on pharmacological treatment are sparse.

AIM:

To investigate whether the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone is feasible and tolerable and can provide symptom reduction in CSBD.

METHODS:

Twenty men aged 27-60 years (mean = 38.8 years, standard deviation = 10.3) with CSBD seeking treatment in an outpatient nonforensic clinic received four weeks of naltrexone 25-50 mg. Measurements were made before, during, and four weeks after treatment.

OUTCOMES:

The self-assessment Hypersexual Disorder: Current Assessment Scale (HD: CAS) score was the primary outcome measure, and secondary outcomes were the Hypersexual Behavior Inventory (HBI) score, reported adverse effects, adherence to treatment, and dropouts.

RESULTS:

There was significant decrease on both HD: CAS and HBI scores during treatment with naltrexone. Even though some of the effects remained after treatment, the increased scores on HD: CAS indicated worsening of CSBD symptoms. The most reported side effects were fatigue (55%), nausea (30%), vertigo (30%), and abdominal pain (30%). However, there were no serious adverse effects leading to discontinuation of naltrexone.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS:

Despite side effects being common, naltrexone seems to be feasible in the treatment of CSBD.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS:

Being the first nonforensic prospective trial on naltrexone in CSBD, this study provides novel insights on a pharmacological intervention. However, owing to the small sample size and the lack of a control group, conclusions of effectiveness should be interpreted with caution.

CONCLUSION:

Naltrexone is feasible and tolerable and may reduce symptoms of CSBD; nevertheless, future studies should ensure a randomized controlled procedure to evaluate possible effectiveness. Savard J, Öberg KG, Chatzittofis A, et al. Naltrexone in Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder: A Feasibility Study of Twenty Men. J Sex Med 2020;17:1544-1552.

• Authors: Josephine Savard, Katarina Görts Öberg, Andreas Chatzittofis, Cecilia Dhejne, Stefan Arver, Jussi Jokinen
• Journal: The journal of sexual medicine (J Sex Med) Vol. 17 Issue 8 Pg. 1544-1552 (08 2020) ISSN: 1743-6109 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 32532705 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2020 International Society for Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Naltrexone

Topics

• Adult
• Compulsive Behavior (drug therapy)
• Feasibility Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Naltrexone (therapeutic use)
• Prospective Studies
• Sexual Behavior