Evaluation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and anti-androgens to manage sexual compulsivity in individuals serving a custodial sentence for a sexual offence

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Winder, B. ORCID: 0000-0002-9118-679X, Norman, C., Lievesley, R. ORCID: 0000-0003-4957-258X, Marshall, E., Antoniadis, Z. ORCID: 0009-0005-3453-7118, Hamilton, L., Kaul, A., Hocken, K., Hamilton, J., Cass, S. and Tovey, L., 2024. Evaluation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and anti-androgens to manage sexual compulsivity in individuals serving a custodial sentence for a sexual offence. Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology. ISSN 1478-9949 (Forthcoming)

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Abstract

In the UK prison system, medication is often used to manage sexual compulsivity in individuals convicted of sexual offences. Anti-Androgens (AAs) and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used for this purpose. The effectiveness of SSRIs is not well supported by evidence, and they are currently used ‘off-label’. However, SSRIs are reported to have fewer side effects than AAs and therefore may be a better treatment option where suitable. This study compared the effectiveness of both medications in a group of prisoners (n = 77) in comparison with a non-medicated group (n = 58). As expected, those taking AAs started with a higher baseline measure of sexual compulsivity. However, both medication groups experienced reduced levels of sexual compulsivity after three months of treatment, while the non-medicated group did not experience a significant reduction. These findings confirm the use of AAs for individuals with high pre-treatment levels of sexual compulsivity and suggest that SSRIs should be made available for individuals with lower levels of sexual compulsivity.

Item Type:

Journal article

Publication Title:

Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology

Creators:

Winder, B., Norman, C., Lievesley, R., Marshall, E., Antoniadis, Z., Hamilton, L., Kaul, A., Hocken, K., Hamilton, J., Cass, S. and Tovey, L.

Publisher:

Routledge

Date:

7 February 2024

ISSN:

1478-9949