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Hypersexuality in dementia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

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Abstract

Sexually disinhibited behaviours are quite common (prevalence 2–17%) in people with dementia, occurring with about equal frequency in men and women. Assessment of the behaviours, the contexts in which they arise and their risks is essential. It is important to manage the environment and to educate and discuss the issues with carers and families. Behavioural measures are helpful, although no specific behavioural intervention has been shown to be effective in this area. Several classes of drug may help to control the behaviours, but all are potentially harmful and none is licensed for hypersexuality in this population.

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Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2005 
Figure 0

Table 1 Characteristics of drugs which have been used off-licence in hypersexuality in dementia

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