Pharmacological treatments for paraphilic patients and sexual offenders.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review addresses testosterone-lowering and other psychotropic medications for the treatment of paraphilic patients or sexual offenders.

RECENT FINDINGS

Randomized controlled studies are still lacking, and only a few new studies were reported during the past year. On the other hand, there is substantial scientific knowledge about the wide range of psychiatric comorbidity associated with paraphilias and in sexual offenders. Empirically based treatment of these patients, especially of impulsivity, anxiety and mood disorders, may also ameliorate sexual impulsivity.

SUMMARY

Medication interventions, either substantially lowering serum testosterone or treating axis I comorbidities, show definite promise as a significant component of the management of sexual offenders. Pharmacotherapy should be combined with other therapeutic treatment modalities, most commonly cognitive-behaviour based psychotherapy and intensive community supervision.