A double-blind study of citalopram versus placebo in the treatment of compulsive sexual behaviors in gay and bisexual men.
OBJECTIVE
Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) is a condition characterized by loss of control over sexual behavior and repeated negative consequences, including unsafe sex. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been found to reduce CSB symptomatology in open-label trials. The objective of this study was to conduct a preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of citalopram in the treatment of CSB.


METHODS
Twenty-eight men who have sex with men who met the threshold for CSB on the basis of existing validated measures participated in a 12-week, double-blind trial of citalopram 20 to 60 mg/day to evaluate its effects on CSB symptoms. The primary efficacy measure was the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale-Compulsive Sexual Behavior. The study was conducted from June 2002 to April 2004.


RESULTS
Significant treatment effects were obtained for sexual desire/drive (p < .05) and frequency of masturbation (p < .01) and pornography use (p < .05). Both groups reduced sexual risk, but did not differ significantly.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides partial support for the effectiveness of citalopram for reducing symptoms of CSB in this population. Larger-scale trials are recommended to determine the public health benefits of this treatment.
Wainberg
Milton L
ML
Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. mlw35@columbia.edu
Muench
Frederick
F
Morgenstern
Jon
J
Hollander
Eric
E
Irwin
Thomas W
TW
Parsons
Jeffrey T
JT
Allen
Andrea
A
O'Leary
Ann
A
D000328:Adult; D001727:Bisexuality; D015283:Citalopram / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003192:Compulsive Behavior / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D047568:Unsafe Sex
D015283:Citalopram