Susanne Philippsohn1, Tillmann H C Kruger. 1. Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Clinical Psychology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. philippsohn.susanne@mh-hannover.de
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a rare condition in women that causes a lot of suffering. The pathophysiology is not well understood and an approach promising effective treatment has not been established so far. AIM: This study aims to make colleagues aware of two treatment options, which proved to be successful in one case each and which might be worth further investigation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjective distress from unwanted sexual arousal, unwanted orgasms, and pain in the genital area. METHODS: Treatment of two women--36 and 41 years old--suffering from PGAD with duloxetine and pregabalin, respectively. RESULTS: In both women, the treatment proved to be very successful over a long period of time. One of them experienced full remission (duloxetine) and the other one experienced substantial improvement (pregabalin), over a period now lasting for more than a year. CONCLUSION: Pregabalin and duloxetine, in particular, should be further investigated as possible medication for the treatment of PGAD.
INTRODUCTION: Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a rare condition in women that causes a lot of suffering. The pathophysiology is not well understood and an approach promising effective treatment has not been established so far. AIM: This study aims to make colleagues aware of two treatment options, which proved to be successful in one case each and which might be worth further investigation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjective distress from unwanted sexual arousal, unwanted orgasms, and pain in the genital area. METHODS: Treatment of two women--36 and 41 years old--suffering from PGAD with duloxetine and pregabalin, respectively. RESULTS: In both women, the treatment proved to be very successful over a long period of time. One of them experienced full remission (duloxetine) and the other one experienced substantial improvement (pregabalin), over a period now lasting for more than a year. CONCLUSION:Pregabalin and duloxetine, in particular, should be further investigated as possible medication for the treatment of PGAD.