Inappropriate sexual behaviour in a case of ALS and FTD: Successful treatment with sertraline

Johanna M.H. Anneser, Ralf J. Jox, Gian Domenico Borasio

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

In a subset of patients, ALS is associated with frontotemporal dysfunction (ALS-FTD). Clinically, ALS-FTD may present with a variable spectrum of cognitive and behavioural deficits. We report a 53-year-old ALS-FTD patient developing inappropriate sexual behaviour (ISB) manifesting as a vigorous sexual drive with exhausting demands for sexual intercourse and physical aggressions against his wife. This distressing symptom could be alleviated with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor sertralin. ISB is an embarrassing symptom for most patients and their caregivers and may therefore be under-reported. Since effective treatment is available, we suggest an open and proactive discussion of sexual issues in this patient group.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)189-190
Number of pages2
JournalAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Volume8
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Dementia of frontal lobe type
  • Hypersexuality
  • Motor neuron disease

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