Understanding the Journeys of High-Risk Male Sex Offenders Voluntarily Receiving Medication to Reduce Their Sexual Preoccupation and/or Hypersexuality

Psychological therapy is the first line treatment for sexual offenders in UK prisons, but sexual preoccupation and hypersexuality can interfere with treatment progress and daily functioning. Under such circumstances the use of anti-libidinal medication for consenting prisoners is endorsed. Here the experiences of prisoners in a UK prison on anti-libidinal medication, either the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine or anti-androgen cyproterone acetate (CPA), are examined. Alongside a brief discussion of psychometric data on all medicated prisoners, the focus here is on four case studies representing the range of journeys of those taking anti-libidinal medication. These case studies echo the group data analyses in demonstrating the success of anti-libidinal medication in reducing sexual preoccupation. They illustrate the complexity and individuality of that experience, highlighting the need for a close therapeutic relationship between prisoner and psychiatrist. Further research is required to assess long-term benefits in reducing sexual reoffending.