A review of the pharmacological management of sexually offending behaviour in learning disabled offenders

Authors:
SLOAN Stephanie, BREWSTER Eleanor
Journal article citation:
Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 8(4), 2017, pp.166-175.
Publisher:
Emerald

Purpose: The management of sexual offending is a major challenge, particularly in men who have an intellectual disability. Psychological therapies have been shown beneficial, and programmes designed for use in the general population have been adapted for use in offenders who have an intellectual disability. There is also a role for pharmacological management, although the quality of evidence for this is noticeably lacking, most likely associated with the ethical and legal issues encountered in conducting well designed and controlled trials in this area. The purpose of this paper is to look at the pharmacological management options available. Design/methodology/approach: A literature search of electronic databases was undertaken. Additionally, the references lists for identified papers were examined for any further relevant publications. Findings: The two main categories of drugs used in the management of inappropriate sexual behaviour are the testosterone-lowering drugs and the psychotropic drugs. Most trials were open and utilised self-report measures of drug effectiveness, limiting their usefulness. Most trials noted beneficial effect. Side effect profiles and patient adherence can limit the effectiveness of anti-libidinal medication in practice. Originality/value: There is very limited evidence available for the use of pharmacological agents in the management of inappropriate sexual behaviour, owing to the lack of adequately controlled clinical trials. New studies are therefore required, particularly of larger sample sizes, longer durations, and examining characteristics of those who benefit from pharmacological treatment, although the ethical issues of conducting such studies is duly acknowledged. (Publisher abstract)

Subject terms:
medication, sex offenders, learning disabilities, therapies, ethics, literature reviews, sexual behaviour;
Content type:
research review
Location(s):
Scotland
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN print:
2050-8824

Key to icons

  • Free resource Free resource
  • Journal article Journal article
  • Book Book
  • Digital media Digital media
  • Journal Journal

Give us your feedback

Social Care Online continues to be developed in response to user feedback.

Contact us with your comments and for any problems using the website.

Sign up/login for more

Register/login to access resource links, advanced search and email alerts