Hypersexuality or altered sexual preference following brain injury

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1986 Aug;49(8):867-73. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.49.8.867.

Abstract

Eight patients are described in whom either hypersexuality (four cases) or change in sexual preference (four cases) occurred following brain injury. In this series disinhibition of sexual activity and hypersexuality followed medial basal-frontal or diencephalic injury. This contrasted with the patients demonstrating altered sexual preference whose injuries involved limbic system structures. In some patients altered sexual behaviour may be the presenting or dominant feature of brain injury.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Injuries / complications*
  • Brain Injuries / pathology
  • Brain Injuries / psychology
  • Diencephalon / pathology
  • Frontal Lobe / pathology
  • Homosexuality
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Paraphilic Disorders / etiology*
  • Paraphilic Disorders / pathology
  • Pedophilia / etiology
  • Voyeurism / etiology