The Pharmacotherapy of Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a rare, yet debilitating, disease, which was first described at the beginning of this century and has not yet been considered by the ICD-10 or DSM-5. Since affected subjects usually suffer tremendously, this review aims at offering an overview of pharmacological approaches to treat this disorder. Recent Findings: Until now, no randomised placebo-controlled clinical trials have been conducted on PGAD, and the international registries have not recorded any ongoing trials. Current knowledge on pharmacological options for the treatment of PGAD relies mainly on case reports/case series. Most importantly, there is evidence that some drugs such as SSRIs and SNRIs might induce or worsen PGAD. Summary: Knowledge on pharmacological treatment options for PGAD is not yet evidence-based, while some reports even assume an induction of PGAD by serotonergic antidepressants. Nevertheless, practitioners should be aware of PGAD and carefully discuss with the patient an individual treatment trial by considering the experience up to now.