NCJ Number
125296
Date Published
1990
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The treatment of sex offenders with hormonal agents and antiandrogens is an increasingly important approach to a difficult clinical problem.
Abstract
As the public becomes more focused on the problem of sex offenders and particularly child molesters, the demand for longer incarceration terms as a solution has escalated, and rehabilitation and treatment have been de-emphasized. The hormonal and antiandrogen approach to treatment has been used with all sex offender types. It is one of the organic treatments of sex offenders, the other two approaches being castration and stereotaxic neurosurgery. The treatment of sex offenders with antiandrogens is clearly successful in reducing recidivism. There are questions, however, as to how to most effectively use this treatment modality and how to select patients most likely to benefit with a minimum of unwanted side effects. The author concludes that cyproterone acetate (CPA) should have limited use in correctional facilities where it is not certain that freely given informed consent can be obtained. Studies of CPA use indicate that, after a treatment period of 6-12 months, CPA can be gradually tapered off in a significant number of individuals without causing relapses. In addition, it is imperative to correct cognitive distortions by individual and group psychotherapy, especially in pedophiles. Some individuals, such as sadistic sex offenders, are candidates for long-term treatment on the basis of risk reduction alone because of the very nature of their deviation. Further research is recommended on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and its role in the etiology of sexual deviation. 76 references.