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Sexual deviancy: diagnostic and neurobiological considerations
Fabian M Saleh1, Fred S Berlin
1Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse
|August 17, 2004
Summary
Paraphilic disorders involve unusual sexual interests and may co-occur with unrecognized mental illness. Research suggests biological abnormalities may underlie these psychiatric conditions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neurobiology
- Forensic Psychology
Background:
- Paraphilias are psychiatric disorders defined by culturally non-sanctioned sexual fantasies or behaviors.
- Individuals with paraphilias may have co-occurring, unrecognized mental illnesses.
- The etiology and pathophysiology of paraphilic disorders are under ongoing investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical and neurobiological characteristics of paraphilic disorders.
- To explore basic principles relevant to paraphilias.
- To examine recent research findings on paraphilias.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical studies.
- Review of empirical, biomedical, and psychopharmacological research.
- Exploration of basic principles and recent findings.
Main Results:
- Empirical data suggest biological abnormalities in individuals with paraphilic disorders.
- Paraphilias are characterized by deviant sexual fantasies, thoughts, and/or behaviors.
- Co-occurring mental illness symptoms can be present but unrecognized.
Conclusions:
- Paraphilic disorders have potential biological underpinnings.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the etiology and pathophysiology.
- Clinical and neurobiological characteristics warrant continued investigation.