A double-blind study of citalopram versus placebo in the treatment of compulsive sexual behaviors in gay and bisexual men

Milton L. Wainberg, Frederick Muench, Jon Morgenstern, Eric Hollander, Thomas W. Irwin, Jeffrey T. Parsons, Andrea Allen, Ann O'Leary

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

105 Scopus citations

Abstract

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. Method: 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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1968-1973
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry
Volume67
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2006
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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