Clomipramine treatment of paraphilias in elderly demented patients

Abstract

Sexually inappropriate conduct often accompanies the disinhibition associated with dementia and neuropsychologic deficits. Management of these behaviors is problematic and time consuming. We report two cases in which paraphilias responded to treatment with clomipramine. This effect was not due to the sexual side effects of the drug (e.g., decreased ability to sustain an erection or orgasm). Careful monitoring of the elderly patient is required during treatment with clomipramine, particularly with regard to orthostasis, the increased risk of falls, and worsened confusion secondary to the potential risks of anticholinergic delirium and toxicity.