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Two cases of hypersexuality probably associated with aripiprazole
Eunjin Cheon1, Bon-Hoon Koo, Sang Soo Seo
1Department of Psychiatry, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Yeungnam University Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
Psychiatry Investigation
|June 27, 2013
Summary
Antipsychotic drugs can cause sexual dysfunction. This study reports hypersexuality in two female schizophrenia patients treated with aripiprazole, suggesting a link between this drug and increased sexual desire.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sexual dysfunction is a frequent adverse effect of antipsychotic medications.
- Variability in sexual side effects exists among different antipsychotic compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report and analyze cases of hypersexuality in female patients with schizophrenia treated with aripiprazole.
- To explore potential neurochemical mechanisms underlying aripiprazole-induced hypersexuality.
Main Methods:
- Case report of two female patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.
- Observation of sexual side effects during treatment with aripiprazole.
- Discussion of pharmacological mechanisms related to dopamine D2-receptor activity.
Main Results:
- Both patients exhibited increased sexual desire and preoccupation after initiating aripiprazole treatment.
- The observed symptoms suggest a potential link between aripiprazole and hypersexuality.
Conclusions:
- Aripiprazole's unique pharmacological profile, specifically its partial agonism at dopamine D2-receptors, may contribute to hypersexual symptoms.
- Further research is warranted to understand the neurochemical basis of antipsychotic-induced sexual dysfunction.
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