How To Select Pharmacologic Treatments To Manage Recidivism Risk In Sex Offenders: Consider Patient Factors When Choosing Off-Label Hormonal And Nonhormonal Agents

The document discussed the management of sex offenders through pharmacologic interventions, focusing on reducing sexual drive using off-label hormonal and nonhormonal treatments. It highlighted the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and hormonal agents like cyproterone acetate and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GNRH) agonists. SSRIs were noted for their ability to interfere with sexual functioning, which was leveraged to treat sexual offenders, showing response rates of 50% to 90% in studies involving nearly 200 patients. The treatments aimed to decrease paraphiliac fantasies, urges, and hypersexual activity, although the evidence was limited and primarily based on case studies and open drug trials.