The effect of assertiveness training, provera and sex of therapist in the treatment of genital exhibitionism

Abstract

Three experimental studies are reported. The first examined assertion therapy, Provera (Medroxyprogesterone) and sex of therapist on drop-out rate and recidivism in male genital exhibitionists. The other two studies were double blind comparisons of Provera and placebo administered for one week to exhibitionists and three weeks to normals. The results of the first study showed drop-out rate for Provera plus assertion therapy was significantly increased over assertion therapy alone. There was a trend to a higher recidivism rate for female over male therapists. The other two studies showed that serum testosterone was significantly reduced by Provera but penile responsiveness was not affected. Reported sexual behavior changes and side effects from Provera were not consistently found at 100 to 150 mg dosages. It was suggested that Provera is limited in the treatment of genital exhibitionism.