Hypersexuality is a relatively common condition among children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders. It can be related to mental retardation, bipolar disorder, sexual abuse and others. Some studies in old-age psychiatry showed improvement of inappropriate sexual behaviors of demented patients with the use of cimetidine.

We intended to analyze the clinical response to cimetidine, regarding inappropriate sexual behaviors, in children and adolescents of a psychiatric outpatient service.

To show that cimetidine can be used for treatment of children and adolescents who present hypersexuality symptoms, with good outcomes and reasonable prices.

We analyzed the medical records of 11 individuals (12-20 years-old), from the outpatient psychiatric service for children and adolescents of the Campinas State University's Clinical Hospital, who were prescribed cimetidine due to inappropriate sexual behaviors. We evaluated the clinical response, socio-demographic profiles, associated disorders, and use of other medications.

We found that 7 patients had a significant improvement in inappropriate sexual behaviors after starting cimetidine, with some periods of absence of symptoms. Other 3 patients had a partial response. Only one had no response to cimetidine, which was discontinued.

This study suggests that cimetidine can be a possible pharmacological alternative for the treatment of hypersexuality in children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders.