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Sexual Deviancy: Diagnostic and Neurobiological Considerations

NCJ Number
207001
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 12 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 2003 Pages: 53-76
Author(s)
Fabian M. Saleh; Fred S. Berlin
Date Published
2003
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This article discusses clinical and neurobiological characteristics of the paraphilias, which are psychiatric disorders characterized by deviant and culturally unacceptable sexual fantasies, thoughts, and/or behaviors.
Abstract
The authors first use three illustrative case reports to address two commonly asked questions: Are all sexually offending men afflicted with a sexual disorder, or are they just misbehaving people who act out sexually? What is the nature of sexual deviancy? Following the presentation of these cases, the article discusses various aspects of the paraphilias. In discussing definitions and diagnoses, the authors note that despite recent improvement in the taxonomy of the sexual deviances, many clinicians continue to criticize the available nomenclatures, particularly of the DSM-IV. This article discusses the epidemiological data on paraphilias, the importance of an accurate assessment, the role of the limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, the role of genes, neuroradiological findings, PET scanning and the role of opiates in human sexuality, and the role of brain pathology. The authors advise that although the etiology and pathophysiology of paraphilic disorders still holds many unanswered questions, evidence to date suggests an abnormality in biology. Still, sexual behaviors are influenced by a number of environmental and individual psychological factors. Only the collection and analyses of clinical and scientific data will expand the understanding of sexual deviancy. 4 tables, 89 references, and appended discussion of neuroradiological concepts

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