Selincro use in a patient diagnosed with dependence to stimulants, alcohol abuse and hyper-sexuality

Abstract

Introduction

Hyper-sexuality is an increased sexual activity that causes stress the individual at social levels. There are studies that support the theory that neurophysiological abnormalities of individuals appear in this disorder and do not overlap with the alterations found in substance addictions. However, it is doubtful whether addiction to other substances can trigger behavior in the sexual sphere.

Objective

To report a case of abuse of alcohol as a trigger relapse in terms of sexual alterations in a patient diagnosed with alcohol abuse, stimulants dependence and hyper-sexuality.

Case description

Here we report a married gentleman in the fourth decade of his life that presents behavior and sexual activity level compatible with a case of hyper-sexuality. After conducting motivational interviews with the psychologist to aim a sustained abstinence of amphetamines and a lack of alterations on the sexual sphere, the patient achieved clinical stability over several years. However, it is referred for psychiatric consultation as he presented recently abusive alcohol consumption associated with Speed. He relapsed in the sexual sphere by increasing sexual desire and impulsiveness. It was decided to prescribe oral nalmefene (1 tablet daily) for two months and then stop treatment regularly (taken PRN in case of high risk situations). As a result, he has had sustained remission for over 6 months.

Conclusion

Although, there are studies suggesting that neurobiological changes among the pathologies described are different, the treatment of alcohol abuse can be beneficial in other diseases such as hyper-sexuality as disinhibition associated with alcohol intoxication.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.