Treatment of pedophilia with leuprolide acetate: A case study

Nancy Raymond, Bean Robinson, Chris S Kraft, Barry Rittberg, Eli Coleman

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

To date, the literature on the treatment of individuals who have committed sexual offenses has focused primarily on psychotherapeutic interventions and the use of antiandrogens. Recently case reports and small series supporting the efficacy of other psychiatric medication, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, have been published. Only a few publications have looked at the efficacy of leuprolide acetate, an LH-RH antagonist, in treatment of sex offenders. Leuprolide acetate has advantages in terms of less side effects and greater safety during administration when compared to other antiandrogens. In this paper we report on the use of leuprolide acetate in an individual who meets criteria for pedophilia and has multiple other comorbid psychiatric diagnoses. The case report illustrates that leuprolide acetate can be effective in decreasing pedophilic fantasies, urges and behaviors. In addition, individuals who receive effective individualized pharmacotherapeutic treatment for compulsive sexual urges and comorbid psychiatric conditions also respond better to psychotherapeutic interventions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSex Offender Treatment
Subtitle of host publicationAccomplishments, Challenges and Future Directions
PublisherTaylor and Francis
Pages79-88
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9781317787648
ISBN (Print)9780789019820
StatePublished - Oct 23 2013

Keywords

  • Antiandrogens
  • Child molesting
  • Leuprolide acetate
  • LH-RH antagonist
  • Pedophilia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Social Sciences
  • General Psychology

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