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LeMay CC, Stinson JD. Persons With Histories of Traumatic Brain Injury and Problematic Sexual Behavior: An Exploratory Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2024; 68:183-206. [PMID: 34963350 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x211066831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Persons with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) who have engaged in problematic or illegal sexual behavior present with complex assessment and intervention needs yet remain understudied within the empirical literature. In the current exploratory analysis, important differences in adaptive and clinical functioning, adverse childhood experiences, and criminal offense history are examined in 25 persons with previous brain injury, 118 persons with intellectual disability but no known TBI, and 103 persons with no history of brain injury or intellectual disability, all of whom have engaged in problematic sexual behavior and who were residing in secure forensic inpatient care. Group differences were examined using comparisons of means and chi-squares. Results highlight important differences in education and employment experiences, diagnostic presentation, exposure to childhood maltreatment, and justice system involvement and characteristics of their sexual offense victims. Associations with prior literature and future research directions are discussed.
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Scarpazza C, Costa C, Battaglia U, Berryessa C, Bianchetti ML, Caggiu I, Devinsky O, Ferracuti S, Focquaert F, Forgione A, Gilbert F, Pennati A, Pietrini P, Rainero I, Sartori G, Swerdlow R, Camperio Ciani AS. Acquired Pedophilia: international Delphi-method-based consensus guidelines. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:11. [PMID: 36653356 PMCID: PMC9849353 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02314-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic and acquired pedophilia are two different disorders with two different etiologies. However, the differential diagnosis is still very difficult, as the behavioral indicators used to discriminate the two forms of pedophilia are underexplored, and clinicians are still devoid of clear guidelines describing the clinical and neuroscientific investigations suggested to help them with this difficult task. Furthermore, the consequences of misdiagnosis are not known, and a consensus regarding the legal consequences for the two kinds of offenders is still lacking. The present study used the Delphi method to reach a global consensus on the following six topics: behavioral indicators/red flags helpful for differential diagnosis; neurological conditions potentially leading to acquired pedophilia; neuroscientific investigations important for a correct understanding of the case; consequences of misdiagnosis; legal consequences; and issues and future perspectives. An international and multidisciplinary board of scientists and clinicians took part in the consensus statements as Delphi members. The Delphi panel comprised 52 raters with interdisciplinary competencies, including neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, forensic psychologists, expert in ethics, etc. The final recommendations consisted of 63 statements covering the six different topics. The current study is the first expert consensus on a delicate topic such as pedophilia. Important exploitable consensual recommendations that can ultimately be of immediate use by clinicians to help with differential diagnosis and plan and guide therapeutic interventions are described, as well as future perspectives for researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Scarpazza
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. .,Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padova, Padova, Italy. .,IRCCS S. Camillo Hospital, Venezia, Italy.
| | - Cristiano Costa
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padova, Padova, Italy ,grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Umberto Battaglia
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Applied Psychology, FISPPA – University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Colleen Berryessa
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796School of Criminal Justice, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ USA
| | - Maria Lucia Bianchetti
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ilenia Caggiu
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Epilepsy Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Human Neurosciences Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Farah Focquaert
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Bioethics Institute Ghent, Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Arianna Forgione
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Fredric Gilbert
- grid.1009.80000 0004 1936 826XEthics, Policy & Public Engagement (EPPE) ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES), Faculty of Arts, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | | | - Pietro Pietrini
- grid.462365.00000 0004 1790 9464IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Lucca, Italy
| | - Innocenzo Rainero
- grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Neurology I, Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sartori
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Russell Swerdlow
- grid.412016.00000 0001 2177 6375University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS USA
| | - Andrea S. Camperio Ciani
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Applied Psychology, FISPPA – University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Boschetti A, Camperio Ciani A, Scarpazza C. Sexual offenses and the brain. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 197:161-179. [PMID: 37633708 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-821375-9.00017-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Sexual offenses are a great concern worldwide due to the devastating physical and psychological consequences the victims of such crimes often experience. It is an important task to investigate potential mechanisms that may underlie sexual offending and predispose an individual for such antisocial behavior. Advanced techniques in neuroscience are increasingly used to uncover biomarkers in psychiatric disorders and organic brain disease. As this type of research is flourishing, preliminary studies with the aim to explore the neural basis of sex offenders have started to appear. To this purpose, researchers began to study the brain's structural and functional changes and the neurocognitive profiles of sex offenders, in comparison to nonoffenders and nonsex offenders, or among different subtypes of sex offenders. Most of the research to date has focused on pedophilia, with some inconsistent findings, which hampers the translation of the results into the forensic and clinical context. Any attempt to increase convergent evidence may profit from the harmonization of data analysis and avoidance of methodological inconsistencies, which can account for the different results across studies. Today, uncovering the neural basis of sex offences has to become a priority, not only for clinical interventions, but might also be important knowledge for crime prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Boschetti
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Camperio Ciani
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Scarpazza
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Translational Cognitive and NeuroImaging Lab, IRCCS Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy.
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Prent N, Jonker FA, Schouws SNTM, Jonker C. The risk of criminal behavior in the elderly and patients with neurodegenerative disease. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 197:181-196. [PMID: 37633709 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-821375-9.00004-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral changes are commonly observed in patients with dementia and can lead to criminal offenses, even without a history of criminal or antisocial behavior. Due to the growth of the aging population, this poses a rising problem to deal with for the criminal justice system and in general for society. Criminal behavior may include minor crimes such as theft or traffic violations, but also serious crimes such as physical abuse, sexual offense, or murder. In the assessment of criminal behavior among elderly (first-time) offenders, it is important to be aware of possible neurodegenerative diseases at the time of the crime. This book chapter provides an overview on criminal behavior in the elderly and specifically discusses existing literature on patients suffering from a neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson disease, and Huntington disease. Each section is introduced by a true case to illustrate how the presence of a neurodegenerative disease may affect the criminal judgment. The chapter ends with a summary, multifactorial model of crime risk, future perspectives, and concluding remarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Prent
- Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Section Clinical Neuropsychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Neuropsychiatry, Altrecht Mental Health Institute, Woerden, The Netherlands.
| | - Frank A Jonker
- Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Section Clinical Neuropsychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Neuropsychiatry, Altrecht Mental Health Institute, Woerden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cees Jonker
- Department Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is associated with social and criminal transgressions; studies from countries around the world have documented such behavior in persons with this condition. An overview and analysis of social and criminal transgressions in bvFTD and their potential neurobiological mechanisms can provide a window for understanding the relationship of antisocial behavior and the brain. METHODS This review evaluated the literature on the frequency of social and criminal transgressions in bvFTD and the neurobiological disturbances that underlie them. RESULTS There is a high frequency of transgressions among patients with bvFTD due to impairments in neurocognition, such as social perception, behavioral regulation, and theory of mind, and impairments in social emotions, such as self-conscious emotions and empathy. Additionally, there is significant evidence for a specific impairment in an innate sense of morality. Alterations in these neurobiological processes result from predominantly right-hemisphere pathology in frontal (ventromedial, orbitofrontal, inferolateral frontal), anterior temporal (amygdala, temporal pole), limbic (anterior cingulate, amygdala), and insular regions. CONCLUSIONS Overlapping disturbances in neurocognition, social emotions, and moral reasoning result from disease in the mostly mesial and right-sided frontotemporal network necessary for responding emotionally to others and for behavioral control. With increased sophistication in neurobiological interventions, future goals may be the routine evaluation of these processes among individuals with bvFTD who engage in social and criminal transgressions and the targeting of these neurobiological mechanisms with behavioral, pharmacological, and other interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario F Mendez
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; and Neurology Service, Neurobehavior Unit, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
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Prado CSDC, Lopes PMG, Moll J, DeSalles A, de Oliveira-Souza R. A case of developmental pedophilia unmasked by frontotemporal dementia. Neurocase 2021; 27:129-137. [PMID: 33856971 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2021.1886310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
A 65-year-old right-handed man gradually became socially indifferent and less active. Four years later, he was indicted for molesting children on multiple occasions. Psychomotor slowness and executive impairment contrasted with sparing of language, semantic memory, visuospatial perception, construction praxis, and right-left orientation. Neuroimaging showed asymmetric atrophy of dorsomedial frontal and anterior temporal lobes, and hypoperfusion of medial prefrontal cortex consistent with a diagnosis of behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia. Further information revealed that the patient exhibited pedophilic behavior several years prior to symptom onset. We conclude that preexisting developmental pedophilia was "unmasked" by the underlying progressive frontotemporal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Sodré de Castro Prado
- Department of Neurology, Gaffrée e Guinle University Hospital, the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Pedro Maranhão Gomes Lopes
- Department of Neurology, Gaffrée e Guinle University Hospital, the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jorge Moll
- Division of Clinical and Experimental Neurology, The D'Or Institute for Research & Education (Idor), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Antonio DeSalles
- Professor Emeritus of Neurosurgery and Radiation Oncology, UCLA School of Medicine; and Department of Neurosurgery and Radiotherapy, Director of NeuroSapiens, Neurosurgery at the D'Or-São Luiz Hospitals Network, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo de Oliveira-Souza
- Department of Neurology, Gaffrée e Guinle University Hospital, the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Division of Clinical and Experimental Neurology, The D'Or Institute for Research & Education (Idor), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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7
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Scarpazza C, Finos L, Genon S, Masiero L, Bortolato E, Cavaliere C, Pezzaioli J, Monaro M, Navarin N, Battaglia U, Pietrini P, Ferracuti S, Sartori G, Camperio Ciani AS. Idiopathic and acquired pedophilia as two distinct disorders: an insight from neuroimaging. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 15:2681-2692. [PMID: 33507519 PMCID: PMC8500885 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-020-00442-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Pedophilia is a disorder of public concern because of its association with child sexual offense and recidivism. Previous neuroimaging studies of potential brain abnormalities underlying pedophilic behavior, either in idiopathic or acquired (i.e., emerging following brain damages) pedophilia, led to inconsistent results. This study sought to explore the neural underpinnings of pedophilic behavior and to determine the extent to which brain alterations may be related to distinct psychopathological features in pedophilia. To this aim, we run a coordinate based meta-analysis on previously published papers reporting whole brain analysis and a lesion network analysis, using brain lesions as seeds in a resting state connectivity analysis. The behavioral profiling approach was applied to link identified regions with the corresponding psychological processes. While no consistent neuroanatomical alterations were identified in idiopathic pedophilia, the current results support that all the lesions causing acquired pedophilia are localized within a shared resting state network that included posterior midlines structures, right inferior temporal gyrus and bilateral orbitofrontal cortex. These regions are associated with action inhibition and social cognition, abilities that are consistently and severely impaired in acquired pedophiles. This study suggests that idiopathic and acquired pedophilia may be two distinct disorders, in line with their distinctive clinical features, including age of onset, reversibility and modus operandi. Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of pedophilic behavior may contribute to a more comprehensive characterization of these individuals on a clinical ground, a pivotal step forward for the development of more efficient therapeutic rehabilitation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Scarpazza
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 25131, Padova, PD, Italy. .,Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Livio Finos
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sarah Genon
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain and Behaviour (INM-7), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Laura Masiero
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Bortolato
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Camilla Cavaliere
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Jessica Pezzaioli
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Merylin Monaro
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 25131, Padova, PD, Italy
| | - Nicolò Navarin
- Department of Mathematics "Tullio Levi-Civita", University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Umberto Battaglia
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Pietro Pietrini
- Molecular Mind Lab, IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Lucca, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sartori
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 25131, Padova, PD, Italy
| | - Andrea S Camperio Ciani
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Thibaut F, Cosyns P, Fedoroff JP, Briken P, Goethals K, Bradford JMW. The World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) 2020 guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of paraphilic disorders. World J Biol Psychiatry 2020; 21:412-490. [PMID: 32452729 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2020.1744723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: The primary aim of these guidelines is to evaluate the role of pharmacological agents in the treatment and management of patients with paraphilic disorders, with a focus on the treatment of adult males. Because such treatments are not delivered in isolation, the role of specific psychotherapeutic interventions is also briefly covered. These guidelines are intended for use in clinical practice by clinicians who diagnose and treat patients, including sexual offenders, with paraphilic disorders. The aim of these guidelines is to bring together different views on the appropriate treatment of paraphilic disorders from experts representing different countries in order to aid physicians in clinical decisions and to improve the quality of care.Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted using the English-language-literature indexed on MEDLINE/PubMed (1990-2018 for SSRIs) (1969-2018 for hormonal treatments), supplemented by other sources, including published reviews.Results: Each treatment recommendation was evaluated and discussed with respect to the strength of evidence for its efficacy, safety, tolerability, and feasibility. The type of medication used depends on the severity of the paraphilic disorder and the respective risk of behaviour endangering others. GnRH analogue treatment constitutes the most relevant treatment for patients with severe paraphilic disorders.Conclusions: An algorithm is proposed with different levels of treatment for different categories of paraphilic disorders accompanied by different risk levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Thibaut
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictive Disorders, University Hospital Cochin, University of Paris, INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Paris, France
| | - Paul Cosyns
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - John Paul Fedoroff
- Division of Forensic Psychiatry, The Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kris Goethals
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp and University Forensic Centre, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - John M W Bradford
- The Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, McMaster University, Ottawa & Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Abstract
The clinicoanatomic cases of acquired pedophilia that have been published in the medical and forensic literature up to 2019 are reviewed. Twenty-two cases fit our inclusion criteria. All but one were men, and in only one case the injury was localized to the left hemisphere. Hypersexuality was present in 18 cases. The damaged areas fell within the frontotemporoinsular cortices and related subcortical nuclei; however, the anterior hypothalamus was spared. Damage to parts of the right frontotemporoinsular lobes with sparing of the anterior hypothalamus seems to be critical for the emergence of acquired pedophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Maranhão Gomes Lopes
- Medical Internship Program, Gaffrée eGuinle University Hospital, the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Catarina Sodré de Castro Prado
- Medical Internship Program, Gaffrée eGuinle University Hospital, the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ricardo de Oliveira-Souza
- Medical Internship Program, Gaffrée eGuinle University Hospital, the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Senior Researcher in the Clinical Neurosciences, the D 'Or Institute for Research & Education, and Department of Neurology, Gaffrée e Guinle University Hospital, the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Camperio Ciani AS, Scarpazza C, Covelli V, Battaglia U. Profiling acquired pedophilic behavior: Retrospective analysis of 66 Italian forensic cases of pedophilia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2019; 67:101508. [PMID: 31785728 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2019.101508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Neurological disorders can be mis-diagnosed as psychiatric ones. This might happen to pedophilia emerging as a symptom of brain insult (i.e. acquired pedophilic behavior). This paper aims to delineate a behavioral profile that might help to identify defendants whose pedophilic behavior is likely to be the consequence of a neurological disorder. Through a systematic review of the literature, seventeen clinical and behavioral variables of the modus operandi and victimology that can distinguish between acquired and developmental pedophilic behavior have been collected. Seven of these were found to be consistent behavioral indicators (i.e. red flags) for acquired pedophilia. Cluster hierarchical analysis on the seventeen variables collected through the systematic review of the literature on cases of acquired pedophilic behavior was applied to a new dataset including 66 Italian closed cases of pedophilia. Stepwise regression and correlation analyses were carried out to further examine the differences between the clusters identified in the cluster analysis. Results revealed that the new sample was partitioned into two clusters. Individuals with ascertained acquired pedophilia were grouped together. The clusters widely differed for the prevalence of red flags (mean number of red flags in each cluster: 2.14 ± 0.79 vs 4.96 ± 0.93, p < 0.001), while no between cluster difference emerged for the other clinical and behavioral variables. Regression analysis provided a robust model that included the three most significant red flags that explain over 64.5% of the variance (absence of masking, spontaneous confession and offenders older age). An organic origin of pedophilic behavior should be suspected if red flags are present in a defendant charged with pedophilia. In those cases, an in depth trans-disciplinary neuroscientific investigation is advocated. The behavioral profile identified might help to provide a proper assessment of defendants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea S Camperio Ciani
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | | | - Valeria Covelli
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Umberto Battaglia
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Aversi-Ferreira TA, Tamaishi-Watanabe BH, Magri MPDF, Aversi-Ferreira RA. Neuropsychology of the temporal lobe: Luria's and contemporary conceptions. Dement Neuropsychol 2019; 13:251-258. [PMID: 31555397 PMCID: PMC6753908 DOI: 10.1590/1980-57642018dn13-030001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain lesion studies currently employ techniques such as computed tomography, functional magnetic resonance imaging, single photon emission tomography and positron emission tomography. Famous neuropsychologist Alexander Romanovich Luria's studies on cognition were conducted without the use of imaging technology for many years, in a large number of patients with brain lesions, and explored complex behavior and specific brain functions involving the lobes and subareas. For instance, he carried out several specific studies on memory and mental organization, reported in his books. The objective of this study is to associate recent studies in neuropsychology with Luria's work specifically on the temporal lobe. According to the data studied, Luria's epistemological foundation remains the basis for neuropsychological studies today, but new data on the temporal lobe in relation to epilepsy and hippocampus analysis have been introduced into the scope of neuropsychology. This study focuses on earlier data from Luria's studies on the neuropsychological functions of the temporal lobe, comparing these with more recent data. However, in order to improve clinical aspects, a detailed study on the neuropsychological tests used for the temporal lobe should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tales Alexandre Aversi-Ferreira
- Federal University of AlfenasInstitute of Biomedical SciencesDepartment of AnatomyAlfenasMGBrazilLaboratory of Biomathematics and Physical Anthropology, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
| | - Bruno Hideki Tamaishi-Watanabe
- Federal University of AlfenasInstitute of Biomedical SciencesDepartment of AnatomyAlfenasMGBrazilLaboratory of Biomathematics and Physical Anthropology, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
| | - Micheli Patrícia de Fátima Magri
- Federal University of AlfenasInstitute of Biomedical SciencesDepartment of AnatomyAlfenasMGBrazilLaboratory of Biomathematics and Physical Anthropology, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
- Universidade PaulistaDepartment of HealthNursing SchoolSão José do Rio PardoSPBrazilNursing School, Department of Health, Universidade Paulista, São José do Rio Pardo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Roqueline A.G.M.F. Aversi-Ferreira
- Federal University of AlfenasInstitute of Biomedical SciencesDepartment of AnatomyAlfenasMGBrazilLaboratory of Biomathematics and Physical Anthropology, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
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de Oliveira-Souza R, Paranhos T, Moll J, Grafman J. Gender and Hemispheric Asymmetries in Acquired Sociopathy. Front Psychol 2019; 10:346. [PMID: 30941065 PMCID: PMC6433972 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of enduring antisocial personality changes in previously normal individuals, or "acquired sociopathy," has consistently been reported in patients with bilateral injuries of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Over the past three decades, cases of acquired sociopathy with (a) bilateral or (b) unilateral sparing of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex have been reported. These cases indicate that at least in a few individuals (a') neural structures beyond the ventromedial prefrontal cortex are also critical for normal social behavior, and (b') the neural underpinnings of social cognition may be lateralized to one cerebral hemisphere. Moreover, researchers have presented evidence that lesion laterality and gender may interact in the production of acquired sociopathy. In the present review, we carried out a comprehensive literature survey seeking possible interactions between gender and hemispheric asymmetry in acquired sociopathy. We found 85 cases of acquired sociopathy due to bilateral (N = 48) and unilateral (N = 37) hemispheric injuries. A significant association between acquired sociopathy and right hemisphere damage was found in men, whereas lesions were bilateral in most women with acquired sociopathy. The present survey shows that: (i) the number of well-documented single-cases of acquired sociopathy is surprisingly small given the length of the historical record; (ii) acquired sociopathy was significantly more frequent in men after an injury of the right or of both cerebral hemispheres; and (iii) in most women who developed acquired sociopathy the injuries affected both cerebral hemispheres. These findings may be especially valuable to neuroscientists and to functional neurosurgeons in particular for the planning of tumor resections as well as for the choice of the best targets for therapeutic neuromodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo de Oliveira-Souza
- Department of Neurology and Neuropsychiatry, D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thiago Paranhos
- Department of Neurology and Neuropsychiatry, D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jorge Moll
- Department of Neurology and Neuropsychiatry, D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jordan Grafman
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Psychology, Neurology, Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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Zohny H, Douglas T, Savulescu J. Biomarkers for the Rich and Dangerous: Why We Ought to Extend Bioprediction and Bioprevention to White-Collar Crime. CRIMINAL LAW AND PHILOSOPHY 2018; 13:479-497. [PMID: 31404215 PMCID: PMC6661018 DOI: 10.1007/s11572-018-9477-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
There is a burgeoning scientific and ethical literature on the use of biomarkers-such as genes or brain scan results-and biological interventions to predict and prevent crime. This literature on biopredicting and biopreventing crime focuses almost exclusively on crimes that are physical, violent, and/or sexual in nature-often called blue-collar crimes-while giving little attention to less conventional crimes such as economic and environmental offences, also known as white-collar crimes. We argue here that this skewed focus is unjustified: white-collar crime is likely far costlier than blue-collar crime in money, health, and lives lost. Moreover, attempts to biopredict and bioprevent blue-collar crime may entail adopting potentially unfair measures that target individuals who are already socio-economically disadvantaged, thus compounding pre-existing unfairness. We argue, therefore, that we ought to extend the study of bioprediction and bioprevention to white-collar crime as a means of more efficiently and fairly responding to crime. We suggest that identifying biomarkers for certain psychopathic traits, which appear to be over-represented among senior positions in corporate and perhaps political organisations, is one avenue through which this research can be broadened to include white-collar crime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazem Zohny
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Suite 8, Littlegate House, 16–17 St Ebbes St., Oxford, OX11PT UK
| | - Thomas Douglas
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Suite 8, Littlegate House, 16–17 St Ebbes St., Oxford, OX11PT UK
| | - Julian Savulescu
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Suite 8, Littlegate House, 16–17 St Ebbes St., Oxford, OX11PT UK
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Sarikaya S, Sarikaya B. Aripiprazole for the Treatment of Inappropriate Sexual Behavior: Case Report of an Alzheimer's Disease Patient Known as Heterosexual with Recently Shifted Sexual Orientation to Same Gender. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2018; 2:117-121. [PMID: 30480254 PMCID: PMC6159613 DOI: 10.3233/adr-170041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Although inappropriate sexual behavior in dementia is not common, it can be extremely troublesome for healthcare professionals and caregivers as well as patients themselves. There is paucity of data in the literature for the management of these behaviors, but the limited available data suggest efficiency of some commonly used treatment modalities. Herein, we present a 74-year old Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patient, known to be heterosexual throughout her past life, presenting with a recent display of same-sex inappropriate sexual behavior six years after the initial diagnosis of her disease. This new clinical picture of hypersexuality responded well to aripiprazole and her symptoms gradually diminished and eventually disappeared after onset of medication. This report also constitutes the first reported case of an AD patient in the published literature presenting with hypersexuality of shifted sexual orientation during the course of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Basar Sarikaya
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology, Yeditepe University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
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Mokhber N, Azarpazhooh MR, Prakash A, Zamprogna Ballès JA, Prakash A. The medical-legal aspect of sexual deviant behaviors due to brain lesions: A case report and narrative review of the literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2018; 58:117-121. [PMID: 29853002 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 12/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We reported a case of sexual assault in a 60-year-old male with no history of mental illness. The lack of memory about the time of the assault and the patient's uncharacteristic behaviour suggested sexual deviant behaviour secondary to a brain lesion. Further investigations revealed a lentiform stroke. A possibility of abnormal sexual behaviour due to an epileptic seizure and/or a destructive brain lesion is suggested. We summarized the history of our patient in this paper and provided a review of the medico-legal aspects of hypersexuality and sexual deviant behaviors due to brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naghmeh Mokhber
- Western University, Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care, 401 Sunset Dr. St. Thomas, ON N5R3C6, Canada.
| | - Mahmoud Reza Azarpazhooh
- Western University, Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care, 401 Sunset Dr. St. Thomas, ON N5R3C6, Canada.
| | - Ajay Prakash
- Western University, Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care, 401 Sunset Dr. St. Thomas, ON N5R3C6, Canada.
| | - Julie A Zamprogna Ballès
- Western University, Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care, 401 Sunset Dr. St. Thomas, ON N5R3C6, Canada.
| | - Arun Prakash
- Western University, Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care, 401 Sunset Dr. St. Thomas, ON N5R3C6, Canada.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The issue of whether sex offenders have cognitive deficits remains controversial. The objective of this study was to compare the neuropsychological function of older adult first time sex-offenders (FTSO), who had not previously been charged with a sexual offence prior to the age of 50, to historical long-term sex offenders (HSO) and non-sex offenders (NSO). The hypotheses were (a) that FTSO would demonstrate greater deficits in executive function, decision-making, and memory compared to non-sex offenders; and (b) the HSOs would present similar neuropsychological deficits to non-sex offenders. METHOD A battery of neuropsychological measures was administered to 100 participants comprising 32 FTSOs, 36 HSOs, and 32 NSOs. RESULTS Both FTSOs and HSOs showed significant impairment on tests of executive function (including verbal fluency, trail-making, and the Hayling test of response inhibition) as well as on tests of verbal and verbal memory compared to NSOs; however, there was no difference between the two sex offender groups. CONCLUSIONS Older adult sex offenders, overall, demonstrated poorer neuropsychological performance than older adult non-sex offenders did, although there was no difference between older first-time and historical offenders. Cognitive deficits may increase the risk of sexual offending due to impaired capacity in self-regulation, planning, judgment, and inhibition. A proportion of older adult sex offenders may be harboring acquired frontal lobe pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philip Boyce
- b Sydney Medical School , University of Sydney , Australia
| | - John Hodges
- b Sydney Medical School , University of Sydney , Australia
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Azizian A, Hutton S, Hughes D, Sreenivasan S. Cognitional Impairment: Is There a Role for Cognitive Assessment in the Treatment of Individuals Civilly Committed Pursuant to the Sexually Violent Predator Act? SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2016; 28:755-769. [PMID: 25698358 DOI: 10.1177/1079063215570757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Sexually Violent Predator statutes allow the involuntary treatment of individuals who are found to pose a threat to public safety. Most sex offender treatment programs rely on cognitive interventions to reduce the risk of recidivism. The purpose of this study was to examine (a) whether individuals with paraphilia diagnoses have cognitive deficits compared with the general population; (b) whether individuals diagnosed with pedophilia differed on cognitive performance when compared with individuals diagnosed with paraphilia not otherwise specified (NOS), nonconsent; and (c) whether individuals with paraphilia plus antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) differed in cognitive performance when compared with individuals with a paraphilia diagnosis only. The sample consisted of 170 males (M age = 50.21; SD = 10.22) diagnosed with pedophilia or paraphilia NOS, nonconsent, who were detained or civilly committed to a forensic psychiatric hospital. Assessments included Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI), and Wide Range Achievement Test 4 (WRAT4). Individuals diagnosed with pedophilia and paraphilia NOS, nonconsent, obtained lower scores than matched controls based on the RBANS Immediate Memory, Visuospatial/Constructional, Delayed Memory indices and Total Score. In comparison with individuals with paraphilia NOS, nonconsent, those with pedophilia diagnosis had lower scores on the RBANS Delayed Memory. Individuals diagnosed with a paraphilia disorder combined with ASPD demonstrated trends toward lower IQ scores than those with a paraphilia diagnosis only. Treatment programs can improve their chance of success by assessment of cognitive processes, and offer therapy in a style that is consistent with the cognitive abilities of their clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen Azizian
- California Department of State Hospitals, Coalinga, CA, USA
- California State University, Fresno, CA, USA
| | | | - Doriann Hughes
- California Department of State Hospitals, Coalinga, CA, USA
| | - Shoba Sreenivasan
- Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System Forensic Outreach Services, CA, USA
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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18
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Should Sexual Offending Be Considered an Addiction? Implications for Prevention and Treatment Approaches. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40429-016-0120-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
To describe inappropriate sexual behaviour (ISB) observed in patients with dementia, we conducted searches using the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science to find relevant articles, chapters, and books published from 1950 to 2014. Search terms used included 'hypersexuality', 'inappropriate sexual behaviors', and 'dementia'. Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed for further relevant references. Sexuality is a human's need to express intimacy, but persons with dementia may not know how to appropriately meet their needs for closeness and intimacy due to their decline in cognition. Generally, the interaction among brain, physical, psychological, and environmental factors can create what we call ISB. The most likely change in the sexual behaviour of a person with dementia is indifference. However, ISB in dementia appear to be of two types--intimacy-seeking and disinhibited--that differ in their association with dementia type, dementia severity and, possibly, other concurrent behavioural disorder. Tensions develop from uncertainties regarding which, or when, behaviours are to be considered 'inappropriate' (i.e. improper) or abnormal. While most ISB occur in the moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer's dementia, they may also be seen in early stages of frontotemporal dementia because of the lack of insight and disinhibition. ISB are often better managed by non-pharmacological means, as patients may be less responsive to psychoactive therapies, but non-pharmacological interventions do not always stop the behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martina Ulivi
- Neurology Unit, Versilia Hospital, Lido di Camaiore, Italy
| | - Sabrina Danti
- Neurology Unit, Versilia Hospital, Lido di Camaiore, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Nuti
- Neurology Unit, Versilia Hospital, Lido di Camaiore, Italy
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Abstract
ABSTRACT:Objective:To guide development of public awareness and caregiver support resources for frontotemporal dementia (FTD) syndromes.Methods:We used an online survey to explore their needs. The survey was self-administered by self-identified, English-speaking caregivers for patients with FTD in several countries.Results:Of 79 caregiver respondents, approximately half were caring for patients with behavioural variant FTD or semantic dementia. The most common initial symptoms were Changes in Thinking and Judgment. Half of the respondents identified “failure to recognize the early stage of illness as a dementia” as the most troublesome aspect. Accordingly, over 40% of respondents had difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis for the patient. Caregivers prioritized family counseling and the public educational message that dementia can affect young people.Conclusion:The largest international survey of FTD caregivers to-date showed that support is needed for all family members adapting to the shock of early-onset dementia, and this may be most readily provided online.
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Gilbert F, Vranič A. Paedophilia, Invasive Brain Surgery, and Punishment. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2015; 12:521-526. [PMID: 26173776 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-015-9647-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Gilbert
- Ethics, Policy & Public Engagement (EPPE), ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES), Faculty of Arts, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Andrej Vranič
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Tenbergen G, Wittfoth M, Frieling H, Ponseti J, Walter M, Walter H, Beier KM, Schiffer B, Kruger THC. The Neurobiology and Psychology of Pedophilia: Recent Advances and Challenges. Front Hum Neurosci 2015; 9:344. [PMID: 26157372 PMCID: PMC4478390 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2015.00344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A pedophilic disorder is recognized for its impairment to the individual and for the harm it may cause to others. Pedophilia is often considered a side issue and research into the nature of pedophilia is delayed in comparison to research into other psychiatric disorders. However, with the increasing use of neuroimaging techniques, such as functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI, fMRI), together with neuropsychological studies, we are increasing our knowledge of predisposing and accompanying factors contributing to pedophilia development. At the same time, we are faced with methodological challenges, such as group differences between studies, including age, intelligence, and comorbidities, together with a lack of careful assessment and control of child sexual abuse. Having this in mind, this review highlights the most important studies investigating pedophilia, with a strong emphasis on (neuro-) biological studies, combined with a brief explanation of research into normal human sexuality. We focus on some of the recent theories on the etiology of pedophilia such as the concept of a general neurodevelopmental disorder and/or alterations of structure and function in frontal, temporal, and limbic brain areas. With this approach, we aim to not only provide an update and overview but also a framework for future research and to address one of the most significant questions of how pedophilia may be explained by neurobiological and developmental alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilian Tenbergen
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Sexual Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
| | - Matthias Wittfoth
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Sexual Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
| | - Jorge Ponseti
- Department of Sexual Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein , Kiel , Germany
| | - Martin Walter
- Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory, Medical Faculty University Hospital Magdeburg , Magdeburg , Germany
| | - Henrik Walter
- Division of Mind and Brain Research, Charité - University Clinic Berlin , Berlin , Germany
| | - Klaus M Beier
- Institute of Sexology and Sexual Medicine, Charité - University Clinic Berlin , Berlin , Germany
| | - Boris Schiffer
- Division of Forensic Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Preventive Medicine, LWL-University Hospital Bochum , Bochum , Germany
| | - Tillmann H C Kruger
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Sexual Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
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Gilbert F, Focquaert F. Rethinking responsibility in offenders with acquired paedophilia: punishment or treatment? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2015; 38:51-60. [PMID: 25725545 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2015.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This article reviews the current neurobiological literature on the aetiology of developmental and acquired paedophilia and examines what the consequences could be in terms of responsibility and treatment for the latter. Addressing the question of responsibility and punishment of offenders with acquired paedophilia from a neurobiological perspective is controversial. Consequently it is essential to avoid hasty conclusions based strictly on neurobiological abnormality justifications. This study establishes a distinction between developmental and acquired paedophilia. The article investigates whether offenders who fulfil the diagnosis of acquired paedophilia should be held fully responsible, particularly in cases where the offender's conduct appears to result from volitionally controlled behaviour that is seemingly incompatible with a neurological cause. Moreover, the article explores how responsibility can be compromised when offenders with acquired paedophilia have (partially) preserved moral knowledge despite their sexual disorder. The article then examines the option of offering mandatory treatment as an alternative to imprisonment for offenders with acquired paedophilia. Furthermore, the article addresses the ethical issues related to offering any form of quasi-coercive treatment as a condition of release. This study concludes that decisions to fully or partially excuse an individual who fulfil the diagnosis of acquired paedophilia should take all relevant information into account, both neurobiological and other environmental evidence, and should proceed on a careful case by case analysis before sentencing or offering treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Gilbert
- Ethics, Policy & Public Engagement (EPPE) ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES), Faculty of Arts, University of Tasmania, Australia. https://sites.google.com/site/fredericgilbertt/home
| | - Farah Focquaert
- Bioethics Institute Ghent, Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium.
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Mohnke S, Müller S, Amelung T, Krüger TH, Ponseti J, Schiffer B, Walter M, Beier KM, Walter H. Brain alterations in paedophilia: A critical review. Prog Neurobiol 2014; 122:1-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2014.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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25
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Habermeyer B, Esposito F, Händel N, Lemoine P, Kuhl HC, Klarhöfer M, Mager R, Mokros A, Dittmann V, Seifritz E, Graf M. Response inhibition in pedophilia: an FMRI pilot study. Neuropsychobiology 2014; 68:228-37. [PMID: 24247250 DOI: 10.1159/000355295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The failure to inhibit pleasurable but inappropriate urges is associated with frontal lobe pathology and has been suggested as a possible cause of pedophilic behavior. However, imaging and neuropsychological findings about frontal pathology in pedophilia are heterogeneous. In our study we therefore address inhibition behaviorally and by means of functional imaging, aiming to assess how inhibition in pedophilia is related to a differential recruitment of frontal brain areas. METHOD Eleven pedophilic subjects and 7 nonpedophilic controls underwent fMRI while performing a go/no-go task composed of neutral letters. RESULTS Pedophilic subjects showed a slower reaction time and less accurate visual target discrimination. fMRI voxel-level ANOVA revealed as a main effect of the go/no-go task an activation of prefrontal and parietal brain regions in the no-go condition, while the left anterior cingulate, precuneus and gyrus angularis became more activated in the go condition. In addition, a group × task interaction was found in the left precuneus and gyrus angularis. This interaction was based on an attenuated deactivation of these brain regions in the pedophilic group during performance of the no-go condition. The positive correlation between blood oxygen level-dependent imaging signal and reaction time in these brain areas indicates that attenuated deactivation is related to the behavioral findings. CONCLUSION Slower reaction time and less accurate visual target discrimination in pedophilia was accompanied by attenuated deactivation of brain areas belonging to the default mode network. Our findings thus support the notion that behavioral differences might also derive from self-related processes and not necessarily from frontal lobe pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Habermeyer
- Departments of General and Social Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
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Müller S, Walter H, Christen M. When benefitting a patient increases the risk for harm for third persons - the case of treating pedophilic Parkinsonian patients with deep brain stimulation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2014; 37:295-303. [PMID: 24289863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2013.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This paper investigates the question whether it is ethically justified to treat Parkinsonian patients with known or suspected pedophilia with deep brain stimulation - given increasing evidence that this treatment might cause impulse control disorders, disinhibition, and hypersexuality. This specific question is not as exotic as it looks at a first glance. First, the same issue is raised for all other types of sexual orientation or behavior which imply a high risk for harming other persons, e.g. sexual sadism. Second, there are also several (psychotropic) drugs as well as legal and illegal leisure drugs which bear severe risks for other persons. We show that Beauchamp and Childress' biomedical ethics fails to derive a veto against medical interventions which produce risks for third persons by making the patients dangerous to others. Therefore, our case discussion reveals a blind spot of the ethics of principles. Although the first intuition might be to forbid the application of deep brain stimulation to pedophilic patients, we argue against such a simple way out, since in some patients the reduction of dopaminergic drugs allowed by deep brain stimulation of the nucleus subthalamicus improves impulsive control disorders, including hypersexuality. Therefore, we propose a strategy consisting of three steps: (1) risk assessment, (2) shared decision-making, and (3) risk management and safeguards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Müller
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, CCM, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Henrik Walter
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, CCM, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Christen
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics, Pestalozzistrasse 24, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
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Joyal CC, Beaulieu-Plante J, de Chantérac A. The neuropsychology of sex offenders: a meta-analysis. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2014; 26:149-177. [PMID: 23567470 DOI: 10.1177/1079063213482842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Typically, neuropsychological studies of sex offenders have grouped together different types of individuals and different types of measures. This is why results have tended to be nonspecific and divergent across studies. Against this background, the authors undertook a review of the literature regarding the neuropsychology of sex offenders, taking into account subgroups based on criminological theories. They also conducted a meta-analysis of the data to demonstrate the cognitive heterogeneity of sex offenders statistically. Their main objective was to test the hypothesis to the effect that the neuropsychological deficits of sex offenders are not broad and generalized compared with specific subgroups of participants based on specific measures. In all, 23 neuropsychological studies reporting data on 1,756 participants were taken into consideration. As expected, a highly significant, broad, and heterogeneous overall effect size was found. Taking subgroups of participants and specific cognitive measures into account significantly improved homogeneity. Sex offenders against children tended to obtain lower scores than did sex offenders against adults on higher order executive functions, whereas sex offenders against adults tended to obtain results similar to those of non-sex offenders, with lower scores in verbal fluency and inhibition. However, it is concluded that neuropsychological data on sex offenders are still too scarce to confirm these trends or to test more precise hypotheses. For greater clinical relevance, future neuropsychological studies should consider specific subgroups of participants and measures to verify the presence of different cognitive profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian C Joyal
- University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada
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28
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Hecht D. Cerebral lateralization of pro- and anti-social tendencies. Exp Neurobiol 2014; 23:1-27. [PMID: 24737936 PMCID: PMC3984952 DOI: 10.5607/en.2014.23.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Revised: 01/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggest that the right-hemisphere (RH) has a relative advantage, over the left-hemisphere (LH), in mediating social intelligence - identifying social stimuli, understanding the intentions of other people, awareness of the dynamics in social relationships, and successful handling of social interactions. Furthermore, a review and synthesis of the literature suggest that pro-social attitudes and behaviors are associated with physiological activity in the RH, whereas unsocial and anti-social tendencies are mediated primarily by the LH. This hemispheric asymmetry is rooted in several neurobiological and functional differences between the two hemispheres. (I) Positive social interactions often require inhibiting one's immediate desires and considering the perspectives and needs of others. Given that self-control is mediated by the RH, pro-social emotions and behaviors are, therefore, inherently associated with the RH as it subserves the brain's self-restraint mechanisms. (II) The RH mediates experiences of vulnerability. It registers the relative clumsiness and motor weakness of the left limbs, and it is involved, more than the LH, in processing threats and mediating fear. Emotional states of vulnerability trigger the need for affiliation and sociality, therefore the RH has a greater role in mediating pro-social attitudes and behaviors. (III) The RH mediates a holistic mode of representing the world. Holistic perception emphasizes similarities rather than differences, takes a long-term perspective, is associated with divergent thinking and seeing other points-of-view, and it mediates a personal mode of relating to people. All these features of holistic perception facilitate a more empathetic attitude toward others and pro-social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hecht
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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29
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Berryessa CM. Potential implications of research on genetic or heritable contributions to pedophilia for the objectives of criminal law. RECENT ADVANCES IN DNA & GENE SEQUENCES 2014; 8:65-77. [PMID: 25557668 PMCID: PMC4393782 DOI: 10.2174/2352092209666141211233857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been increasing scientific research on possible genetic or heritable influences to the etiology of pedophilia, driven by national and public concerns about better understanding the disorder in order to reduce children's vulnerabilities to pedophilic and child sex offenders. This research has corresponded to growing academic dialogue on how advances in genetic research, especially concerning the causes and development of particular mental disorders or behaviors, may affect traditional practices of criminal law and how the justice system views, manages, and adjudicates different types of criminal behavior and offenders. This paper strives to supplement this dialogue by exploring several of the many possible effects and implications of research surrounding genetic or heritable contributions to pedophilia for the five widely accepted objectives that enforce and regulate the punishment of criminal law. These include retribution, incapacitation, deterrence, rehabilitation, and restoration. Although still currently in early stages, genetic and heritability research on the etiology of pedophilia may have the potential moving forward to influence the current and established punitive methods and strategies of how the justice system perceives, adjudicates, regulates, and punishes pedophilic and sex offenders, as well as how to best prevent sexual offending against children by pedophilic offenders in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M Berryessa
- Stanford University, Center for Biomedical Ethics, 483 McNeil Building 3718 Locust Walk Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Kirenskaya AV, Kamenskov MY, Myamlin VV, Novototsky-Vlasov VY, Tkachenko AA. The antisaccade task performance deficit and specific CNV abnormalities in patients with stereotyped paraphilia and schizophrenia. J Forensic Sci 2013; 58:1219-1226. [PMID: 23899379 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Revised: 09/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Antisaccade task performance and mean amplitudes of slow cortical potentials (contingent negative variation--CNV) were investigated in 19 healthy volunteers, 16 schizophrenic patients (SP), and 12 patients with stereotyped form of paraphilia (PP). Compared with healthy subjects, schizophrenic and paraphilic patients committed significantly more erroneous saccades. The clear between-group CNV differences were observed during the early CNV stage that is associated with cognitive aspects of preparatory set. In SP, as compared to controls, the significant decline of CNV amplitude was found at frontal-central area. PP have demonstrated the lack of CNV over central and parietal regions, but their CNV amplitudes in frontal area did not differ from values of control group. Thus, two distinct types of CNV abnormalities have been found. The SP results have been interpreted as support for frontal dysfunction in schizophrenia. The disconnection between prefrontal cortex, sensorimotor cortex, and related subcortical structures is hypothesized in paraphilia group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Kirenskaya
- National Serbsky Centre for Social and Forensic Psychiatry, 119922, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Maxim Y Kamenskov
- National Serbsky Centre for Social and Forensic Psychiatry, 119922, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Vadim V Myamlin
- National Serbsky Centre for Social and Forensic Psychiatry, 119922, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | | - Andrey A Tkachenko
- National Serbsky Centre for Social and Forensic Psychiatry, 119922, Moscow, Russian Federation
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Poeppl TB, Langguth B, Laird AR, Eickhoff SB. The functional neuroanatomy of male psychosexual and physiosexual arousal: a quantitative meta-analysis. Hum Brain Mapp 2013; 35:1404-21. [PMID: 23674246 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.22262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Revised: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive behavior is mandatory for conservation of species and mediated by a state of sexual arousal (SA), involving both complex mental processes and bodily reactions. An early neurobehavioral model of SA proposes cognitive, emotional, motivational, and autonomic components. In a comprehensive quantitative meta-analysis on previous neuroimaging findings, we provide here evidence for distinct brain networks underlying psychosexual and physiosexual arousal. Psychosexual (i.e., mental sexual) arousal recruits brain areas crucial for cognitive evaluation, top-down modulation of attention and exteroceptive sensory processing, relevance detection and affective evaluation, as well as regions implicated in the representation of urges and in triggering autonomic processes. In contrast, physiosexual (i.e., physiological sexual) arousal is mediated by regions responsible for regulation and monitoring of initiated autonomic processes and emotions and for somatosensory processing. These circuits are interconnected by subcortical structures (putamen and claustrum) that provide exchange of sensorimotor information and crossmodal processing between and within the networks. Brain deactivations may imply attenuation of introspective processes and social cognition, but be necessary to release intrinsic inhibition of SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timm B Poeppl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Mendez MF, Shapira JS. Hypersexual behavior in frontotemporal dementia: a comparison with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2013; 42:501-9. [PMID: 23297146 PMCID: PMC3596488 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-012-0042-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Revised: 05/05/2012] [Accepted: 07/29/2012] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The basis of hypersexual behavior among patients with dementia is not entirely clear. Hypersexual behavior may be a particular feature of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), which affects ventromedial frontal and adjacent anterior temporal regions specialized in interpersonal behavior. Recent efforts to define hypersexual disorder indicate an increasing awareness of heightened sexual activity as a source of personal distress and functional impairment, and clarification of hypersexuality in bvFTD could contribute to understanding the neurobiology of this behavior. This study reviewed 47 patients with bvFTD compared to 58 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) for the presence of heightened sexual activity to the point of distress to caregivers and others. Hypersexual behavior occurred in 6 (13 %) bvFTD patients compared to none of the AD patients. Caregivers judged all six bvFTD patients with hypersexual behavior as having a dramatic increase in sexual frequency from premorbid levels. All had general disinhibition, poor impulse control, and actively sought sexual stimulation. They had widened sexual interests and experienced sexual arousal from previously unexciting stimuli. One patient, with early and predominant right anterior temporal involvement, was easily aroused by slight stimuli, such as touching her palms. Although previously considered to be predominantly disinhibited sexual behavior as part of generalized disinhibition, these patients with dementia illustrate varying degrees of increased sexual desire. We conclude that bvFTD is uniquely associated with hypersexuality; it is more than just cognitive impairment with frontal disinhibition but also involves alterations in sexual drive, possibly from right anterior temporal- limbic involvement in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario F Mendez
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, 300 Medical Plaza, Suite B-200, Box 956975, Los Angeles, CA 90095-6975, USA.
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Abstract
Paraphilia is a set of disorders characterized by abnormal sexual desires. Perhaps most discussed amongst them, pedophilia is a complex interaction of disturbances of the emotional, cognitive and sexual experience. Using new imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, neural correlates of emotional, sexual and cognitive abnormalities and interactions have been investigated. As described on the basis of current research, altered patterns of brain activity, especially in the frontal areas of the brain, are seen in pedophilia. Building on these results, the analysis of neural correlates of impaired psychological functions opens the opportunity to further explore sexual deviances, which may contribute ultimately to the development of tools for risk assessment, classification methods and new therapeutic approaches.
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Marazziti D, Baroni S, Landi P, Ceresoli D, Dell’Osso L. The neurobiology of moral sense: facts or hypotheses? Ann Gen Psychiatry 2013; 12:6. [PMID: 23497376 PMCID: PMC3616987 DOI: 10.1186/1744-859x-12-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 09/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most intriguing frontiers of current neuroscientific research is represented by the investigation of the possible neural substrates of morality. The assumption is that in humans an innate moral sense would exist. If this is true, with no doubt it should be regulated by specific brain mechanisms selected over the course of evolution, as they would promote our species' survival. In the last decade, an increasing number of studies have been carried out to explore the neural bases of human morality.The aim of this paper is to present a comprehensive review of the data regarding the neurobiological origin of the moral sense, through a Medline search of English-language articles from 1980 to February 2012.The available findings would suggest that there might be a main integrative centre for the innate morality, in particular the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, with its multiple connections with the limbic lobe, thalamus and brainstem. The subjective moral sense would be the result of an integration of multiple automatic responses, mainly associated with social emotions and interpretation of others' behaviours and intentions.Since converging observations outline how lesions of the proposed neural networks may underlie some personality changes and criminal behaviours, the implications of the studies in this field encompass many areas of the scientific domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa, 56100, Italy
| | - Stefano Baroni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa, 56100, Italy
| | - Paola Landi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa, 56100, Italy
| | - Diana Ceresoli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa, 56100, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell’Osso
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa, 56100, Italy
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Abstract
SummaryHuman sexuality is a complex interaction of biological, social and emotional factors. When any or all of these factors are disrupted by a progressive dementia it is unsurprising that sexual ‘problems’ are identified. Most sexual behaviour ‘problems’ relate to expressions of normal sexuality complicated by changes in relationships, care needs and cognitive function, and complex ethical and legal considerations emerge. Rarely, new and severe hypersexual or paraphilic behaviours arise de novo, usually due to damage to certain brain areas, and sometimes due to medication side-effects, psychiatric disorder or delirium. Evidence and approaches to assess and to manage sexual behaviour problems in dementia are discussed.
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Gilbert F, Vranic A, Hurst S. Involuntary & Voluntary Invasive Brain Surgery: Ethical Issues Related to Acquired Aggressiveness. NEUROETHICS-NETH 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s12152-012-9161-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Georgiadis JR, Kringelbach ML. The human sexual response cycle: brain imaging evidence linking sex to other pleasures. Prog Neurobiol 2012; 98:49-81. [PMID: 22609047 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2012.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Revised: 04/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Sexual behavior is critical to species survival, yet comparatively little is known about the neural mechanisms in the human brain. Here we systematically review the existing human brain imaging literature on sexual behavior and show that the functional neuroanatomy of sexual behavior is comparable to that involved in processing other rewarding stimuli. Sexual behavior clearly follows the established principles and phases for wanting, liking and satiety involved in the pleasure cycle of other rewards. The studies have uncovered the brain networks involved in sexual wanting or motivation/anticipation, as well as sexual liking or arousal/consummation, while there is very little data on sexual satiety or post-orgasmic refractory period. Human sexual behavior also interacts with other pleasures, most notably social interaction and high arousal states. We discuss the changes in the underlying brain networks supporting sexual behavior in the context of the pleasure cycle, the changes to this cycle over the individual's life-time and the interactions between them. Overall, it is clear from the data that the functional neuroanatomy of sex is very similar to that of other pleasures and that it is unlikely that there is anything special about the brain mechanisms and networks underlying sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Georgiadis
- Department of Neuroscience/Section Anatomy, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Urbaniok F, Laubacher A, Hardegger J, Rossegger A, Endrass J, Moskvitin K. Neurobiological determinism: human freedom of choice and criminal responsibility. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2012; 56:174-190. [PMID: 21362643 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x10395474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Several authors have argued that criminal behavior is generally caused by neurobiological deficits. This assumption not only questions the concept of free will and a person's responsibility for his or her own actions but also the principle of guilt in criminal law. When critically examining the current state of research, it becomes apparent that the results are not sufficient to support the existence of a universally valid neurobiological causality of criminal behavior. Moreover, the assumption of total neurobiological determination of human behavior and the impossibility of individual responsibility are characterized by both faulty empiricism and methodical misconceptions. The principle of relative determinism and the analysis of the offender's behavior at the time of the offense thus remain the central and cogent approach to the assessment of criminal responsibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Urbaniok
- Psychiatric/Psychological Service, Department of Justice, Zurich, Switzerland
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Labelle A, Bourget D, Bradford JMW, Alda M, Tessier P. Familial paraphilia: a pilot study with the construction of genograms. ISRN PSYCHIATRY 2012; 2012:692813. [PMID: 23738209 PMCID: PMC3658696 DOI: 10.5402/2012/692813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Biological factors are likely predisposing and modulating elements in sexually deviant behavior. The observation that paraphilic behavior tends to cluster in some families is intriguing and potentially raises questions as to whether shared genetic factors may play a role in the transmission of paraphilia. This pilot study introduces five families in which we found presence of paraphilia over generations. We constructed genograms on the basis of a standardized family history. Results document the aggregation of sexual deviations within the sample of families and support a clinical/phenomenological heterogeneity of sexual deviation. The concept of paraphilia in relation to phenotypic expressions and the likelihood of a spectrum of related disorders must be clarified before conclusions can be reached as to family aggregation of paraphilia based on biological factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Labelle
- Schizophrenia Program, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1Z 7K4
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41
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Abstract
Whether homosexuality should be described as one among many paraphilic sexual interests or an altogether different dimension of sexual interest has long been discussed in terms of its political and social implications. The present article examined the question instead by comparing the major correlates and other features of homosexuality and of the paraphilias, including prevalence, sex ratio, onset and course, fraternal birth order, physical height, handedness, IQ and cognitive neuropsychological profile, and neuroanatomy. Although those literatures remain underdeveloped, the existing findings thus far suggest that homosexuality has a pattern of correlates largely, but not entirely, distinct from that identified among the paraphilias. At least, if homosexuality were deemed a paraphilia, it would be relatively unique among them, taxonometrically speaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Cantor
- Sexual Behaviours Clinic, Law and Mental Health Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada.
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Habermeyer B, Händel N, Lemoine P, Klarhöfer M, Seifritz E, Dittmann V, Graf M. LH-RH agonists modulate amygdala response to visual sexual stimulation: a single case fMRI study in pedophilia. Neurocase 2012; 18:489-95. [PMID: 22136615 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2011.627346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Pedophilia is characterized by a persistent sexual attraction to prepubescent children. Treatment with anti-androgen agents, such as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonists, reduces testosterone levels and thereby sexual drive and arousal. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare visual erotic stimulation pre- and on-treatment with the LH-RH agonist leuprolide acetate in the case of homosexual pedophilia. The pre-treatment contrasts of the erotic pictures against the respective neutral pictures showed an activation of the right amygdala and adjacent parahippocampal gyrus that decreased significantly under treatment with leuprolide acetate. Our single case fMRI study supports the notion that anti-androgens may modify amygdala response to visual erotic stimulation, a hypothesis that should be further examined in larger studies.
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Prahlada Rao N, Chand PK, Murthy P. A case of late-onset pedophilia and response to sertraline. PRIMARY CARE COMPANION TO THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHIATRY 2011; 9:235-6. [PMID: 17632662 PMCID: PMC1911163 DOI: 10.4088/pcc.v09n0311e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Rainero I, Rubino E, Negro E, Gallone S, Galimberti D, Gentile S, Scarpini E, Pinessi L. Heterosexual pedophilia in a frontotemporal dementia patient with a mutation in the progranulin gene. Biol Psychiatry 2011; 70:e43-4. [PMID: 21791336 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2011.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Revised: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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45
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Jordan K, Fromberger P, Stolpmann G, Müller JL. The Role of Testosterone in Sexuality and Paraphilia—A Neurobiological Approach. Part II: Testosterone and Paraphilia. J Sex Med 2011; 8:3008-29. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02393.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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46
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Müller JL. Are Sadomasochism and Hypersexuality in Autism Linked to Amygdalohippocampal Lesion? J Sex Med 2011; 8:3241-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01485.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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47
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Poeppl TB, Nitschke J, Dombert B, Santtila P, Greenlee MW, Osterheider M, Mokros A. Functional Cortical and Subcortical Abnormalities in Pedophilia: A Combined Study Using a Choice Reaction Time Task and fMRI. J Sex Med 2011; 8:1660-74. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02248.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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48
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Chow TW. What Are the Different Initial Presentations of Frontotemporal Dementia? J Mol Neurosci 2011; 45:710-2. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-011-9561-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2011] [Accepted: 05/17/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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49
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Zarow C, Wang L, Chui HC, Weiner MW, Csernansky JG. MRI shows more severe hippocampal atrophy and shape deformation in hippocampal sclerosis than in Alzheimer's disease. Int J Alzheimers Dis 2011; 2011:483972. [PMID: 21547227 PMCID: PMC3087502 DOI: 10.4061/2011/483972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2010] [Accepted: 02/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
While hippocampal atrophy is a key feature of both hippocampal sclerosis (HS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), the pathology underlying this finding differs in these two conditions. In AD, atrophy is due primarily to loss of neurons and neuronal volume as a result of neurofibrillary tangle formation. While the etiology of HS is unknown, neuron loss in the hippocampus is severe to complete. We compared hippocampal volume and deformations from premortem MRI in 43 neuropathologically diagnosed cases of HS, AD, and normal controls (NC) selected from a longitudinal study of subcortical ischemic vascular disease (IVD Program Project). HS cases (n = 11) showed loss of neurons throughout the rostral-caudal extent of the hippocampus in one or both hemispheres. AD cases (n = 24) met NIA-Reagan criteria for high likelihood of AD. Normal control cases (n = 8) were cognitively intact and showed no significant AD or hippocampal pathology. The mean hippocampal volumes were significantly lower in HS versus AD groups (P < .001). Mean shape deformations in the CA1 and subiculum differed significantly between HS versus AD, HS versus NC, and AD versus NC (P < .0001). Additional study is needed to determine whether these differences will be meaningful for clinical diagnosis of individual cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Zarow
- Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, University of Southern California, 7601 E Imperial Hwy., Medical Science Bldg., Room 26 Downey, CA 90242, USA
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