ADT – Androgen deprivation therapy is a promising treatment for paraphilic disorders. However, the side effects of this therapy could be intrusive. The study aims to understand the physical, sexual, and psychological effects of ADT on sex offenders.
The study conducted 12 semi-structured interviews with individuals (male) diagnosed with the disorder. Half of the respondents were under luteinizing hormone agonists and the remaining were on anti-androgens. Half of both the groups were in-patients, rest were out-patients. The study collected data from one psychiatric hospital.
The analysis showed that the primary physical side effects were weight gain, bone loss, and breast formation. The individuals had a positive influence on their lifestyle due to the medication. They were relaxed and had a reduction in intensity or frequency of the fantasies, aggressive behavior, and anger. The subjects felt a lower desire for masturbation or sexual contact.
The study recommends explaining the side effects of the therapy to the individuals and their loved ones. Training counselors on the side effects of the treatment and ways to manage them would encourage consent procedures. However, a majority of the individuals had a positive approach to the therapy. The study recommends further research with multiple centers.
Ref: https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(20)31065-1/fulltext
