Go Back Research Article February, 2013
The Wiley‐Blackwell Handbook of Legal and Ethical Aspects of Sex Offender Treatment and Management

Pharmacological Treatment of Sexual Offenders and its Legal and Ethical Aspects

Author Peer Briken

Abstract

This chapter talks about the pharmacological treatment of sexual offenders and its legal and ethical aspects. For more than 40 years, paraphilic patients and sexual offenders have been treated with androgen lowering medications. When discussing legal and ethical aspects of androgen lowering treatment in sexual offenders, it is important to note that it should only be used with moderate to high risk sexual offenders. The major goal of androgen lowering treatment in sexual offenders is a substantial reduction in sexual arousability and desire, in order to increase the possibility of controlling sexual thoughts, impulses, urges, and behavior. Pharmacological treatment of sexual offenders with androgen lowering agents takes place between relapse prevention and physical injury. Treatment of sexual offenders is more influenced by considerations of risk and public protection than of the wellbeing of the potential patient himself.

Keywords

Pharmacological treatment sexual offenders androgen-lowering medications paraphilic disorders relapse prevention legal aspects ethical considerations sexual arousability risk management public protection
Details
Volume Chapter 18
DOI 10.1002/9781118314876.ch18
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