Sexual deviancy: diagnostic and neurobiological considerations

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.