Studying Sex Offenders

Post #8

Instead of automatically locking away sex offenders, the criminal justice system has begun to study the criminals they put behind bars. There seems to be little research on comorbid (existence of two diseases) psychiatric disorders in pedophile sex offenders. Some believe that if the justice system receives more knowledge on sex offenders, we can do something more to help the sex offenders with their “problem” and rehabilitate them properly into society.

In 1999, fifty-eight pedophile sex offenders volunteered to be studied by being interviewed about psychological or emotional problems they may have experienced. All participants were interviewed to diagnose both clinical, developmental and personality disorders. The average age of the pedophile subjects was 37 years old. Fifty-six percent of the subjects met the criteria for five or more comorbid diagnoses in addition to pedophilia. Sixty-seven percent of the subjects were diagnosed as having a history of mood disorders. The most common diagnosis was major depression, with over half of the group reporting a history of depression. Social phobia and posttraumatic stress disorder were the most common anxiety disorders. What is particularly surprising is the fact that only three subjects had pedophilia as their only psychiatric diagnosis.

By studying various sex offenders one can make the prediction that the justice system would find alternatives to prison for sex offenders such as rehabilitation programs and an launch more mental facilities. The justice system has come a long way though by introducing chemical castration and mental hospitals for sex offenders. The department now needs to make sure these programs work instead of waste the tax payers’ money.

Reference:

Raymond, N., Coleman, E., Ohlerking, F., Christenson, G., Miner, M. (1999). Psychiatric Comorbidity in Pedophilic Sex Offenders. Am J Psychiatry. 156 (5) 786-788.