Aripiprazole Induced Hypersexuality in A 42-Year-Old Woman with Bipolar Disorder: A Rare Case Report
Hafiz Olatunde
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
Tajudeen Basiru
Department of Psychiatry, Community Health of South Florida, Miami, FL, USA.
Odiaka Mark Anombem *
Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
Adeniyi Kayode Busari
Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Gibson Anugwom
Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Sochima Ochije
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University Hospital, GA, USA.
Salisu Aikoye
Psychiatry Department, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Aripiprazole use is associated with a very rare side effect of hypersexuality, which was experienced by the patient described in this case study. Hypersexuality can be a very distressing symptom and may also hinder medication compliance.
Case Presentation: A 42-year-old woman with bipolar II disorder developed hypersexuality three weeks after starting aripiprazole, which was used in the treatment of her bipolar disorder.
Discussion: Aripiprazole works by reducing dopaminergic neurotransmission in the mesolimbic pathway. It is believed that due to aripiprazole’s agonistic dopaminergic action in the mesolimbic circuit, it can increase sexual desire.
Conclusion: This case report emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring patients taking aripiprazole for hypersexuality and adds to the existing body of knowledge of aripiprazole-induced hypersexuality.
Keywords: Aripiprazole, bipolar disorder, hypersexuality