Hypersexual behavior can be exhibited by patients with autism. Several medications have been used in hypersexual paraphiliac male and elderly patient populations, including antiandrogens, estrogen, gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Due to limited research in autistic patients exhibiting hypersexuality, physicians must base their medication selection on outcomes seen in patients with other conditions.
Key Points
* There is limited information in regard to the treatment of hypersexual behavior in patients with autism.
* Several drug classes, including the antiandrogens, estrogens, gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, have been used to treat hypersexual behavior in other patient populations.
* Hormonal agents are used in the treatment of hypersexuality based on the premise that lower testosterone levels lead to a decrease in this type of behavior.
* Due to the potential side effects of hormonal agents, therapy with these agents is often debated.