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Seeman MV. Portrait of an Exhibitionist. Psychiatr Q 2020; 91:1249-1263. [PMID: 32870489 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-020-09810-w] [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: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Exhibitionism has been viewed through many lenses, from the perspectives of sexual deviance, forensic psychiatry, psychopathology, psychological dynamics, feminism, behaviorism, and psychopharmacology. Starting from the description of one psychotherapy patient, the aim of this paper is to synthesize this disparate literature. The findings of the synthesis include an estimate of the lifetime male prevalence of exhibitionism, 2-4%, peaking in late adolescence. Insecure attachment, sexual abuse in childhood, substance abuse, and sexual dysfunction are acknowledged risk factors. Motives behind the act of genital exposure remain obscure, constructed of both sexual and non-sexual impulses. The usual response of women victims is alarm and disgust. Successful treatment relies on a strong therapeutic alliance with specific psychological and psychopharmacological interventions - comparative effectiveness not yet determined. In conclusion, precedents for exhibitionism vary. The frequency of the behavior usually wanes with age and, while exhibitionists may pose a risk to others, they usually do not. There is, as yet, no gold standard treatment; the recommendation for therapists is to respond to individual facets of the patient's circumstances and history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary V Seeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 260 Heath St. W. Suite #605, Toronto, ON, M5P 3L6, Canada.
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2
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Davis KA, Knight RA. Childhood maltreatment experiences and problematic sexual outcomes in adult males who have sexually offended: Further evidence of the potency of male caregiver psychological abuse. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2019; 96:104097. [PMID: 31437771 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although research on the developmental antecedents of sexual offending has tended to focus on sexual abuse, recent research in juveniles and adults who have sexually offended suggests that psychological abuse perpetrated by a male caregiver may be a particularly important factor in the development of problematic sexual interests and behaviors. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to extend previous findings by investigating the association between psychological abuse by a male caregiver and problematic sexual outcomes in a sample of adult males who had sexually offended. PARTICIPANTS Participants were 529 adult males incarcerated for sexual offenses, 21% of whom were civilly committed. METHODS Childhood maltreatment and problematic sexual outcomes were assessed using the Multidimensional Assessment of Sex and Aggression, a contingency-based inventory that assesses domains related to sexual aggression. Hierarchical regressions were calculated examining the association between childhood abuse types and sexual outcomes. RESULTS Childhood sexual abuse was associated with child sexual (β = .247, p < .001) and other paraphilic interests (β = .189, p < .001). Male caregiver psychological abuse also emerged as marginally associated with child sexual interest (β = .100, p = .059), even after controlling for other abuse types. CONCLUSIONS These results partially replicate recent findings in a juvenile sample and challenge conventional developmental theories of sexual offending, by suggesting that male caregiver psychological abuse may play a role in the etiology of child sexual interest among males who have sexually offended. This study also suggests a possible gender symmetry effect moderating the developmental consequences of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Davis
- Department of Psychology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, United States.
| | - Raymond A Knight
- Department of Psychology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, United States
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Jakubczyk A, Krasowska A, Bugaj M, Kopera M, Klimkiewicz A, Łoczewska A, Michalska A, Majewska A, Szejko N, Podgórska A, Sołowiej M, Markuszewski L, Jakima S, Płoski R, Brower K, Wojnar M. Paraphilic Sexual Offenders Do Not Differ From Control Subjects With Respect to Dopamine- and Serotonin-Related Genetic Polymorphisms. J Sex Med 2016; 14:125-133. [PMID: 27989490 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.11.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rape and pedophilic child molestation are the most commonly convicted sexual offenses in Poland. Recent studies have suggested a possible genetic contribution toward pathologic sexual interests and behaviors. AIM To analyze and compare functional polymorphisms of genes associated with the activity of the serotonin and dopamine systems in a group of paraphilic sexual offenders and control subjects. METHODS The study sample (n = 97) consisted of two groups: paraphilic sexual offenders (65 pedophilic child molesters and 32 rapists) and controls (n = 76). Genetic polymorphisms previously associated with behavioral control, addictive behaviors, and sexual functions were chosen for analyses. Specifically, functional polymorphisms in dopamine receptors genes (DRD1, DRD2, DRD4), catechol-O-methyltransferase gene (COMT), dopamine transporter gene (DAT), serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4), serotonin type 2A receptor gene (5HTR2A), tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene (TPH2), monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES An association between a history of sexual offense and the distribution of genotypes and alleles in the analyzed polymorphisms. RESULTS Our results found no association between a history of sexual offense and the distribution of genotypes or alleles in the analyzed polymorphisms. CONCLUSION Although these results are limited by the small sample and are exploratory, they highlight a novel approach to sample selection in a population that is difficult to access and study. Future research should include larger samples and other relevant polymorphisms to advance this field of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Jakubczyk
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Marcin Bugaj
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Kopera
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Klimkiewicz
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Łoczewska
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aneta Michalska
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Natalia Szejko
- Department of Neurology, Wolski Hospital, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Neurology, Faculty of Health Science, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Podgórska
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Leszek Markuszewski
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
| | - Sławomir Jakima
- Department of Sexology, Center of Psychotherapy Nowowiejski Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Płoski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kirk Brower
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
| | - Marcin Wojnar
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Långström N, Babchishin KM, Fazel S, Lichtenstein P, Frisell T. Sexual offending runs in families: A 37-year nationwide study. Int J Epidemiol 2016; 44:713-20. [PMID: 25855722 PMCID: PMC4469797 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyv029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual crime is an important public health concern. The possible causes of sexual aggression, however, remain uncertain. METHODS We examined familial aggregation and the contribution of genetic and environmental factors to sexual crime by linking longitudinal, nationwide Swedish crime and multigenerational family registers. We included all men convicted of any sexual offence (N = 21,566), specifically rape of an adult (N = 6131) and child molestation (N = 4465), from 1973 to 2009. Sexual crime rates among fathers and brothers of sexual offenders were compared with corresponding rates in fathers and brothers of age-matched population control men without sexual crime convictions. We also modelled the relative influence of genetic and environmental factors to the liability of sexual offending. RESULTS We found strong familial aggregation of sexual crime [odds ratio (OR) = 5.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.5-5.9] among full brothers of convicted sexual offenders. Familial aggregation was lower in father-son dyads (OR = 3.7, 95% CI = 3.2-4.4) among paternal half-brothers (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.5-2.9) and maternal half-brothers (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2-2.4). Statistical modelling of the strength and patterns of familial aggregation suggested that genetic factors (40%) and non-shared environmental factors (58%) explained the liability to offend sexually more than shared environmental influences (2%). Further, genetic effects tended to be weaker for rape of an adult (19%) than for child molestation (46%). CONCLUSIONS We report strong evidence of familial clustering of sexual offending, primarily accounted for by genes rather than shared environmental influences. Future research should possibly test the effectiveness of selective prevention efforts for male first-degree relatives of sexually aggressive individuals, and consider familial risk in sexual violence risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Långström
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, Swedish Prison and Probation Administration, Norrköping, Sweden, University of Ottawa, Institute of Mental Health, Ottawa, Canada, University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry, Oxford, UK and Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- *Corresponding author. Karolinska Institutet, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden. E-mail:
| | - Kelly M Babchishin
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, Swedish Prison and Probation Administration, Norrköping, Sweden, University of Ottawa, Institute of Mental Health, Ottawa, Canada, University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry, Oxford, UK and Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Seena Fazel
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, Swedish Prison and Probation Administration, Norrköping, Sweden, University of Ottawa, Institute of Mental Health, Ottawa, Canada, University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry, Oxford, UK and Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paul Lichtenstein
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, Swedish Prison and Probation Administration, Norrköping, Sweden, University of Ottawa, Institute of Mental Health, Ottawa, Canada, University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry, Oxford, UK and Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Frisell
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, Swedish Prison and Probation Administration, Norrköping, Sweden, University of Ottawa, Institute of Mental Health, Ottawa, Canada, University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry, Oxford, UK and Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Thibaut F, Bradford JMW, Briken P, De La Barra F, Häßler F, Cosyns P. The World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) guidelines for the treatment of adolescent sexual offenders with paraphilic disorders. World J Biol Psychiatry 2015; 17:2-38. [PMID: 26595752 PMCID: PMC4743592 DOI: 10.3109/15622975.2015.1085598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The primary aim of these guidelines was to evaluate the role of pharmacological agents in the treatment of adolescents with paraphilic disorders who are also sexual offenders or at-risk of sexual offending. Psychotherapeutic and psychosocial treatments were also reviewed. Adolescents with paraphilic disorders specifically present a different therapeutic challenge as compared to adults. In part, the challenge relates to adolescents being in various stages of puberty and development, which may limit the use of certain pharmacological agents due to their potential side effects. In addition, most of the published treatment programmes have used cognitive behavioural interventions, family therapies and psychoeducational interventions. Psychological treatment is predicated in adolescents on the notion that sexually deviant behaviour can be controlled by the offender, and that more adaptive behaviours can be learned. The main purposes of these guidelines are to improve the quality of care and to aid physicians in their clinical decisions. These guidelines brought together different expert views and involved an extensive literature research. Each treatment recommendation was evaluated and discussed with respect to the strength of evidence for efficacy, safety, tolerability and feasibility. An algorithm is proposed for the treatment of paraphilic disorders in adolescent sexual offenders or those who are at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Thibaut
- University Hospital Cochin, Faculty of Medicine Paris Descartes, INSERM U 894 CPN,
Paris,
France
| | - John M. W. Bradford
- University of Ottawa, Institute of Mental Health Research, Division of Forensic Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Clinical Director, Forensic Treatment Unit, Brockville Mental Health Centre, Royal Ottawa Health Care Group,
Brockville,
Ontario,
Canada
| | - Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf,
Hamburg,
Germany
| | - Flora De La Barra
- East Psychiatry and Mental Health Department, University of Chile,
Clinica Las Condes,
Chile
| | - Frank Häßler
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Medicine of Rostock,
Rostock,
Germany
| | - Paul Cosyns
- University Forensic Centre (University Hospital of Antwerp),
Belgium
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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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Affiliation(s)
- John M W Bradford
- Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Brockville Mental Health Centre (BMHC), 1804 Highway 2 East, Brockville, Ontario, K6V 5W7, Canada.
| | - A G Ahmed
- Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Brockville Mental Health Centre (BMHC), 1804 Highway 2 East, Brockville, Ontario, K6V 5W7, Canada.
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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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Alanko K, Salo B, Mokros A, Santtila P. Evidence for Heritability of Adult Men's Sexual Interest in Youth under Age 16 from a Population‐Based Extended Twin Design. J Sex Med 2013; 10:1090-9. [DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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