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Etiology of pedophilia from a neurodevelopmental perspective: markers and brain alterations

Juan Antonio Becerra García1

  • 1Departamento de Psicología, Universidad de Jaén, Jaén, España.

Revista De Psiquiatria Y Salud Mental
|October 5, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Neurodevelopmental alterations may contribute to pedophilia, indicated by specific traits and brain differences. These findings suggest a biological basis but do not excuse harmful actions.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders share signs with pedophilia.
  • Previous research indicates neural alterations in individuals with pedophilia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the link between neurodevelopmental alterations and pedophilia.
  • To explore neural differences in individuals with pedophilia.

Main Methods:

  • Review of neuroimaging studies on pedophilia.
  • Analysis of associated indicators like intelligence quotient, handedness, and stature.

Main Results:

  • Pedophilia is associated with indicators of neurodevelopmental alterations (e.g., low IQ, left-handedness, smaller stature).
  • Individuals with pedophilia exhibit distinct neural alterations, particularly in subcortical brain activation patterns in response to sexual stimuli.

Conclusions:

  • Brain alterations stemming from neural development issues may partly underlie pedophilia.
  • These neurobiological findings do not mitigate personal responsibility for actions.
Abstract

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