The metabolic sequeale of catecholamine secretion are mediated via cyclic nucleotides. Recent studies have indicated changes in the pattern of catecholamine secretion correlating with convictions for violence in maximum security hospital detainees. The subjects for the present study were male patients committed to a maximum security hospital for a wide variety of crimes. They were healthy and receiving no medication. Control groups consisted of mentally ill Royal Air Force Officers with similarly diagnosed illness categories, but without psychopathy, and of normal males. Urine samples were taken during the course of a normal morning and before an anticipated, stressful event. The results failed to show a correlation between adrenaline or nonadrenaline and cyclic AMP secretion. However, subjects convicted of sexual offenses showed a significantly greater cyclic AMP excretion than other patients and normal controls. These findings are discussed in terms of the possible modification of receptor sensitivity and influence of alternative agonists such as testosterone. Data tables and a 21-item reference list are included. (Author abstract modified)