Ongoing Clinical Trials for Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder
Currently, there are 2 ongoing clinical trials investigating treatments for compulsive sexual behaviour disorder. These studies are testing medications commonly used for depression, anxiety, and addiction to see if they can help reduce symptoms of this condition. Both trials are being conducted in Poland and involve comparing different medications and their combinations with a placebo.
Clinical trial locations
- Poland
Study on the Effects of Escitalopram, Naltrexone, and Their Combination on Reducing Symptoms of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder in Affected Patients
This trial is focused on finding effective treatments for compulsive sexual behaviour disorder, a condition where individuals struggle to control intense sexual urges that interfere with daily life. The study tests three different treatment approaches: escitalopram alone, naltrexone alone, and a combination of both medications, as well as a placebo for comparison.
Who can participate: This study is open to men aged 18 to 60 years who have been diagnosed with compulsive sexual behaviour disorder according to international guidelines. Participants must feel a loss of control over sexual behaviors such as excessive viewing of pornography, masturbation, or using paid sexual services. They must be actively seeking help or therapy for these symptoms and score 50 points or higher on a specialized questionnaire measuring the severity of their condition. All participants must provide informed consent and agree to use appropriate contraception methods during the study and for 100 days afterward if their partner could become pregnant.
Who cannot participate: The study excludes females, individuals under 18 or over 65 years of age, and those who are part of vulnerable populations who cannot provide informed consent. People without a diagnosis of compulsive sexual behaviour disorder are also not eligible.
Study focus: The trial aims to compare how effectively these different medications reduce the severity of symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of the treatments or a placebo. Throughout the study, they will keep a diary tracking their behaviors and feelings, and will be assessed using various scales and questionnaires to measure changes in the frequency and intensity of compulsive sexual behaviors.
Medications being tested: Escitalopram, typically used for depression and anxiety, is given as a 10 mg tablet taken by mouth. Naltrexone, commonly used to manage addiction by reducing cravings, is given as a 50 mg tablet. The study also tests whether combining both medications is more effective than using either one alone.
Study on the Effects of Escitalopram, Paroxetine, and Naltrexone for Patients with Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder
This trial investigates multiple medication options for treating compulsive sexual behaviour disorder. The study compares four different treatments: escitalopram, paroxetine, naltrexone, and a combination of escitalopram with naltrexone, against a placebo group.
Who can participate: This study recruits men between 18 and 60 years old who have a documented diagnosis of compulsive sexual behaviour disorder according to World Health Organization guidelines. Participants must experience a loss of control over sexual behaviors including watching pornography, masturbation, or using paid sexual services. They must be actively seeking specialized help or therapy, including medication, for these symptoms or their consequences. All participants must sign an informed consent form agreeing to take part in all study procedures.
Who cannot participate: Individuals who are not male, those under 18 or over 65 years of age, and those belonging to vulnerable populations are excluded from participation.
Study focus: The trial monitors how these different medications affect symptom severity over time. Participants receive one of the assigned treatments and undergo regular follow-up assessments to evaluate effectiveness. They complete various scales measuring symptom changes and maintain a diary recording the frequency of compulsive sexual behaviors. The study aims to determine which medication or combination is most effective in managing the condition.
Medications being tested: Escitalopram (10 mg), typically used for depression and anxiety, is given as a tablet taken by mouth. Paroxetine (20 mg), often used for depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, is also administered orally. Naltrexone (50 mg), usually prescribed for alcohol and opioid dependence, is tested for its potential to help manage compulsive sexual behaviors. The study also evaluates whether combining escitalopram with naltrexone provides better results than using them individually.
Summary
Both ongoing clinical trials for compulsive sexual behaviour disorder are being conducted in Poland and focus on repurposing existing psychiatric and addiction medications for this condition. The studies share similar eligibility criteria, targeting adult men aged 18 to 60 with diagnosed compulsive sexual behaviour disorder who are actively seeking treatment.
A notable aspect of these trials is their focus on medications that affect brain chemistry in different ways. Escitalopram and paroxetine work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, while naltrexone blocks opioid receptors. The trials investigate whether these medications, used alone or in combination, can help individuals regain control over their sexual behaviors. Both studies use comprehensive assessment tools and patient diaries to track changes in symptom frequency and intensity over time.
These trials represent important research efforts to establish evidence-based treatment options for a condition that can significantly impact personal, social, and occupational functioning. The results may provide valuable insights into which medications or combinations are most effective for managing compulsive sexual behaviour disorder.
