Management of inappropriate sexual behaviors in dementia: a literature review.
BACKGROUND
This paper reviews published literature on the pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of inappropriate sexual behavior in dementia.


METHODS
A literature search of Psychinfo and Cochrane databases was performed and data from case reports and case series were analyzed.


RESULTS
No randomized controlled trials exist for any treatment of sexual disinhibition in dementia and there are no trials comparing different pharmacological agents. Case reports and case series report a wide range of pharmacotherapies as efficacious in the treatment of inappropriate sexual behaviors in dementia. There is only one case report of non-pharmacological strategies to manage inappropriate sexual behavior.


CONCLUSIONS
Inappropriate sexual behaviors in dementia can be difficult to treat. Frequently, multiple psychoactive medications are used and many pharmacotherapies are trialed prior to finding an effective agent. More research is needed to clarify the usefulness of these medications and to identify non-pharmacological strategies to prevent unnecessary use of medications.
Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. ineset@iinet.net.au
Inese
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Tucker
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D048448:Phenylcarbamates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068836:Rivastigmine; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000523:psychology
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D000068836:Rivastigmine