Compulsive exhibitionism successfully treated with fluvoxamine: a controlled case study

Abstract

Background: Paraphilias are psychosexual disorders that are usually conceptualized as deviant in nature. Yet in some cases, paraphilia can be conceptualized as an obsessive compulsive disorder.

Method: We describe an exhibitionist treated under partial single-blind conditions (patient was blind to placebo but was aware he was receiving desipramine and fluvoxamine) with the serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor fluvoxamine, followed by desipramine and a placebo that looked like fluvoxamine, in an ABACA design. He was serially assessed with the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale.

Results: Fluvoxamine eliminated the undesired impulse and behavior without affecting sexual desire. Desipramine and single-blind fluvoxamine-placebo treatment were both associated with relapses.

Conclusion: A subset of paraphiliacs may be suffering from obsessive-compulsive-related disorders and may benefit from serotonergic agents.