Sexual excitement following anaesthesia or sedation
Abstract
Amorous and disinhibited behaviour following propofolanaesthesia has often been reported since itsintroduction.’.2 This behaviour was initially thought to bea m ~ s i n g ; ~however, there have been recent accounts ofdistressing sexual fantasies following propofol anaesthesiaand more commonly following sedation withbenzodia~epines.’,~I would agree strongly with recommendations of DrsBoheimer and Thomas (Anaesthesia 1990: 45: 699) that athird party should be present when drugs which may alternormal perception are administered, in view of thepossibility of laying oneself open to allegations of sexualimpropriety. However, I would question the advisability offorewarning patients of the possibility of sexualhallucinations or amorous behaviour. A major cause ofpre-operative apprehension is the belief that the patientmay do something embarrassing whilst under anaesthesiaand a warning of this nature might well increase the anxietyof the patient. It is also possible that behaviour of this kindmight be increased because of autosuggestion.