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Paraphilic Sexual Offenders Do Not Differ From Control Subjects With Respect to Dopamine- and Serotonin-Related
Andrzej Jakubczyk1, Aleksandra Krasowska1, Marcin Bugaj1
1Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
Introduction:
Rape and pedophilic child molestation are the most commonly convicted sexual offenses in Poland. Recent studies have suggested a possible genetic contribution toward pathologic sexual interests and behaviors.
Aim:
To analyze and compare functional polymorphisms of genes associated with the activity of the serotonin and dopamine systems in a group of paraphilic sexual offenders and control subjects.
Methods:
The study sample (n = 97) consisted of two groups: paraphilic sexual offenders (65 pedophilic child molesters and 32 rapists) and controls (n = 76). Genetic polymorphisms previously associated with behavioral control, addictive behaviors, and sexual functions were chosen for analyses. Specifically, functional polymorphisms in dopamine receptors genes (DRD1, DRD2, DRD4), catechol-O-methyltransferase gene (COMT), dopamine transporter gene (DAT), serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4), serotonin type 2A receptor gene (5HTR2A), tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene (TPH2), monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) were analyzed.
Main Outcome Measures:
An association between a history of sexual offense and the distribution of genotypes and alleles in the analyzed polymorphisms.
Results:
Our results found no association between a history of sexual offense and the distribution of genotypes or alleles in the analyzed polymorphisms.
Conclusion:
Although these results are limited by the small sample and are exploratory, they highlight a novel approach to sample selection in a population that is difficult to access and study. Future research should include larger samples and other relevant polymorphisms to advance this field of study.
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