Treatment of the Paraphilic Disorders: A Review of the Role of the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Altemative psychopharmacological interventions in the treatment of paraphilic disorders have previously been limited. This article briefly reviews previous psychopharmacological treatment as well as more recent therapeutic advances. During the past 5 years there have been 14 case reports or open trials documenting the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment of paraphilics. The authors discuss the hypothetical role of serotonin in human sexual behavior and review the results of the efficacy of SSRIs in the treatment of these disorders. The limitations and possible indications of these medications are discussed. Although no double-blind placebo-controlled studies have been completed, the results seem to hold new promise for these alternative medications in the treatment of the paraphilic disorders and, possibly, in individuals with an inappropriately high sexual drive.