In a unique study of four previously convicted adult male pedophiles (Mage = 33.8, SD 9.7 years), utilizing structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and imaging genomics (neuroimaging combined with genetic analyses), the authors propose that small variations in genotypes are responsible for paraphilic phenotypic expression (Tost, Vollmert, Brassen, Schmitt, Dressing, Braus, 2004).
The candidate genes identified within this study are those responsible for the secretion of dopamine, plus a defective D2 A1 receptor allele. The D2 receptor allele appears to be involved in the control of compulsive and impulsive behaviors, and the propensity for addictions. Individuals with defects in these genes are functionally hypodopaminergic, and tend to seek out experiences which will enhance the amount of dopamine secreted (Tost, et al., 2004).
Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorders, Tourette ’s syndrome, ADHD, and other reward-deficiency spectrum disorders also express similar genetic variations, however the effects on striatothalamocortical pathways is differentially expressed. For instance, the motor loop of the striatothalamocortical network appears to be most affected in individuals with Tourette’s syndrome, while the limbic and prefrontal loops are implicated in the expression of pedophilic tendencies (Tost, et al., 2004).
The four participants in this study were additionally assessed for response inhibition, working and visuo-spatial memory, abstract reasoning, global intelligence, alertness, and cognitive flexibility. Participants scored within the normal range for intelligence, visuo-spatial memory, and alertness, however all scored well below normal for working memory, response inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. MRIs revealed no abnormal neurophysical causes for these deficiencies (Tost, et al., 2004).
The authors conclude that the driving force behind pedophilia is the phenotypic expression of defective genes within the dopamine reward system and associated neural pathways, although they urge that this small study is insufficient and needs to be expanded (Tost, et al., 2004).
Discussion
Whether or not allelic variation within the dopamine reward system and the D2 A1 receptor site should be considered defects is a matter for evolutionary biologists and philosophers to debate. I would prefer them to simply be called variations or alternate alleles, as their origins may be rooted in very early human history.
However, this admittedly small study does give us an indication of a genetically related cause for pedophilia, and demands further investigation, particularly in view of the proliferation of treatment programs designed simply with behavior modification in mind.
Reference
Tost, H., Vollmert, C., Brassen, S., Schmitt, A., Dressing, H., Braus, D. (2004). Pedophilia:Neuropsychological Evidence Encouraging a Brain Network Perspective. Medical Hypotheses, 63, pp. 528-531.
Review - Pedophilia: Neuropsychological Evidence Encouraging A Brain Network Perspective
Comments
In answer to your query, the following is from research using imaging genomics to investigate susceptibility to schizophrenia:
"Imaging Genomics is a form of genetic association analysis, where the phenotype is not simply a disease-related phenotype but also takes into account neurophysiological responses of the brain (during specific information processing) or specific changes in brain structure. The underlying assumption is that polymorphisms in genes which are weakly related to behaviours and psychiatric syndromes may be more strongly related to the neurofunctional underpinnings. The method involves identifying a meaningful variation in the sequence of a candidate gene which has an impact in terms of gene/protein function, and then testing it for an association with neuroimaging data [2]."
"Working from these assumptions, we hypothesise that Imaging Genomics can provide a better understanding of genetic effects on the neuroanatomical phenotype in schizophrenia. There are at least three lines of evidence supporting our hypothesis. First, this approach supports the implication of genes in the biological diathesis of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders [1]. This is critical because genetic epidemiological studies are constrained by the complexity of the phenotype and by the small, concurrent effects of several individual genes. Functional neuroimaging provides a more direct means of examining the effect of these genes in the human brain in vivo. Furthermore, Imaging Genomics studies usually require fewer subjects compared to genetic epidemiological studies that need very large samples or vague and imprecise behavioural assays. Second, determining the impact of specific genotypes on brain structure and function will improve our knowledge of the neuronal circuits [3] and cognitive processes that are implicated in biological vulnerability to schizophrenia. This may facilitate the identification of individuals at increased risk for psychosis and improve the treatment strategies (i.e. addressing individual variability in the response to treatment with antipsychotic drugs) accordingly [4]. Third, a better understanding of how putative genes influence the structure and function of the brain over the timecourse of schizophrenia will shed light on the neurobiological mechanisms that mediate genetic contribution to key aspects of the disorder such as positive or negative symptoms and long-term cognitive impairment [5]."
This excerpt is from - S. Borgwardt, P. Fusar-Poli (2006). Imaging Genomics – An integrative approach to understand the biological susceptibility for schizophrenia. Medical Hypotheses, Volume 68, Issue 6, Pages 1426-1426.
If as Tost, et al. assert, the D2 A1 receptor allele is indeed a culprit in pedophilia, then it would seem to me that you folks in the field could develop a method of dealing with this mutation. Easier said than done, I'm sure. Nevertheless, it would appear to be a worthwhile area of investigation regardless of the very small sample size, with a cautionary caveat from the nature vs. nurture debate.
Laura Hult | 06/30/09 | 21:15 PM
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Mike
Michael White | 07/01/09 | 11:49 AM
They are a long way from linking dopamine receptor alleles to pedophilia. Even then, it will take a lot more genetics to estimate how predictive any such allele is - maybe pedophiles tend to have it, but maybe 99% of the people who have that allele aren't pedophiles; in that case it would have little predictive value.
I agree, but was thinking less of predictive potential than of therapeutics. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't a trigger required to activate some allelic mutations? For instance, the TAQI DRD2 A1 receptor has been implicated in alcohol dependence. If this receptor site is definitively shown to contribute to the development of alcohol dependent behaviors, then perhaps in the absence of a trigger the mutation would never be expressed phenotypically.
The experiment would be fairly straightforward with two groups of three sets of subjects: subjects with the mutation, subjects without, and a control. One group of subjects would be exposed to ETOH and their behaviors observed. The other group would not be exposed to ETOH and similarly observed. A comparison of behaviors between the two groups of subjects may demonstrate that non-activation of the allele results in the absence of ETOH dependent behaviors.
However, investigating the origins of pedophilia would involve a different methodology. Ethical considerations limit us to data collection within the human population, but here again, if the mutation is found to be fairly common, then perhaps a trigger was never presented to the participant resulting in an absence of pedophilic phenotype expression.
Of course I could be completely speaking out of my sleeve, and grossly oversimplified the process, but there must be a way to get at an answer.
Laura Hult | 07/01/09 | 13:57 PM
The permanent solution for Sexual Predators and Pedophiles is castration. Better for them and better for society. This is a cost effective and humane solution.
There is no need to keep these people in jail for years. A simple visit to a vet and the problem is solved. As a bonus you never have to worry about them returning to society or living in your neighborhood. Talk about a good deterrent..
There is no need to keep these people in jail for years. A simple visit to a vet and the problem is solved. As a bonus you never have to worry about them returning to society or living in your neighborhood. Talk about a good deterrent..
Ron (not verified) | 09/18/09 | 17:24 PM
"Better designed testicular/prostate cancer studies have demonstrated that, while sexual desire is reduced by orchiectomy, the capacity to develop an erection in response to sexually stimulating material is not eliminated."For your perusal, this article can be found at http://www.jaapl.org/cgi/content/full/33/1/16.
(Linda E. Weinberger, PhD, Shoba Sreenivasan, PhD, Thomas Garrick, MD and Hadley Osran, MD (2005). The Impact of Surgical Castration on Sexual Recidivism Risk Among Sexually Violent Predatory Offenders. J Am Acad Psychiatry Law 33:1:16-36.
Adding to the ineffectiveness of castration as a mechanism of control are the availability of nutritional supplements that can mimic the effects of endogenous testosterone (including over-the-counter hormone extracts from animals), and erectile dysfunction treatments such as Viagra.
Where there is a will, there is a way.
If we were purely discussing a sexual preference, this might be true for some individuals. However, paraphilias are often an external expression of deeper psychological problems. Sex is often used as a weapon to degrade, abuse, and humiliate another. Even if the sexual component were removed from individuals with a need to victimize, they would find a different way to accomplish this. I do not want such individuals free to roam our communities.
There is no need to keep these people in jail for years.
Laura Hult | 09/19/09 | 09:29 AM
Despite people's emotional reactions, few problems have such simple solutions.
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Mundus vult decipi
Gerhard Adam | 09/18/09 | 18:06 PM
...the only thing you'll have achieved is to return a sexual predator whoExactly so, Gerhard. Particularly dangerous would an offender whose primary fixation is on his/her sexuality. In the case of a male forced to undergo another assault to his masculinity by submitting to castration, can we imagine the hatred spawned?
has potentially been transformed into a murderer or sadist that happens
to be impotent.
Laura Hult | 09/19/09 | 09:33 AM
I would presume that the courts determine the suitability for returning someone back to society. Obviously someone who was a murderer or posed a continuing harm to society would still end up in jail etc. The solution I've proposed is for the thousands of pedophile that spend a few months or years in jail and then are released back into our communities.
It could be argued that only a small percentage of pedophile re-offend. Unfortunately there is no way to tell who might be tempted to repeat their actions. Wouldn't it be a better solution to try and prevent any pedophile from causing harm to any child in the future.
It could also be that, in time, pedophiles themselves would come to view this in a positive light. Being free of uncontrollable urges and the associated guilt might be perceived as liberating.
It could be argued that only a small percentage of pedophile re-offend. Unfortunately there is no way to tell who might be tempted to repeat their actions. Wouldn't it be a better solution to try and prevent any pedophile from causing harm to any child in the future.
It could also be that, in time, pedophiles themselves would come to view this in a positive light. Being free of uncontrollable urges and the associated guilt might be perceived as liberating.
Ron (not verified) | 09/18/09 | 18:54 PM
I would presume that the courts determine the suitability for returningOur court system is broken and our therapists are shackled by piles of paperwork and state mandates. Do you really want to trust this mechanism to make quality decisions?
someone back to society. Obviously someone who was a murderer or posed
a continuing harm to society would still end up in jail etc.
The solution I've proposed is for the thousands of pedophile that spend aYou have identified one of the failures of the criminal justice system. Are any of these offenders individually assessed before release? Are they given access to therapy before and after their release? Is continued therapy a condition of release? Are they monitored in any way? What are the penalties for recidivism? Where can they live? What kinds of jobs will they be allowed to hold?
few months or years in jail and then are released back into our
communities.
All of these issues are addressed differently by states and municipalities.
Even if offenders are mandated to undergo extensive and prolonged therapy (including behavior modification), do these programs work? With recidivism rates as high as 60%, I seriously doubt their effectiveness.
Laura Hult | 09/19/09 | 09:47 AM
Wouldn't it be a better solution to try and prevent any pedophile from causing harm to any child in the future.You haven't eliminated the threat, you've simply eliminated the sex. My point is that such an action could turn a sexual predator into a more dangerous individual (especially if they resent the action) and your problems may get worse.
My point is simply that you're assuming that everything is causally related to their sexual urges, and unless that is actually true, then your solution hasn't solved any problems. I seriously doubt that involuntary castration will produce model citizens.
—
Mundus vult decipi
Gerhard Adam | 09/18/09 | 19:03 PM
You haven't eliminated the threat, you've simply eliminated the sex.Spot-on, Gerhard!
Laura Hult | 09/19/09 | 09:48 AM
I concede that any "corrected" pedophile would need to be held in custody until they came to grips with the situation. It wouldn't be prudent to "fix" someone one day and release them the next. Nevertheless, there are a number of people who undergo voluntary castration and have been happy with the results.
One of the results of castration is the lowering of testosterone and aggressiveness. Available evidence suggests the natural development of placidity and tranquility would make dangerous individuals unlikely (once their level of testosterone was depleted). That it may be possible for a few "treated" pedophiles to become violent... does not diminish the benefits of having thousands of "cured" pedophiles who are no longer sexual predators. You must admit - if castration were an accepted form of punishment - it would be a great deterrent for borderline individuals with pedophile tendencies.
Castration might not produce "model" citizens but "treated" individuals could effectively return to society. Children would be safer and parents would have less to fear.
One of the results of castration is the lowering of testosterone and aggressiveness. Available evidence suggests the natural development of placidity and tranquility would make dangerous individuals unlikely (once their level of testosterone was depleted). That it may be possible for a few "treated" pedophiles to become violent... does not diminish the benefits of having thousands of "cured" pedophiles who are no longer sexual predators. You must admit - if castration were an accepted form of punishment - it would be a great deterrent for borderline individuals with pedophile tendencies.
Castration might not produce "model" citizens but "treated" individuals could effectively return to society. Children would be safer and parents would have less to fear.
Ron (not verified) | 09/18/09 | 22:09 PM
I concede that any "corrected" pedophile would need to be held in custody until they came to grips with the situation. It wouldn't be prudent to "fix" someone one day and release them the next. Nevertheless, there are a number of people who undergo voluntary castration and have been happy with the results.How would you tell if someone had come "to grips with the situation"? And what situation are you writing about, castration, that the individual is a sexual predator, or that he/she has significant psychological problems? All of the above? Would this only take days to accomplish, or could it require years and years of therapy? Maybe never?
One offender I knew spent over 10 years in mandated intensive therapy, typically attending classes 3 times per week. Once the mandated therapy was concluded, I met with him and discussed his future plans. The program words were there, but the anger and rage that I had suspected for so long were patently obvious. What had changed? I think we made a *better* predator.
Castration as a "cure" for pedophilia? Have you taken into account that the adrenal glands assume the job of testosterone production once testes are removed? Have you considered that the neural nets already formed under the influence of testosterone are still in existence? Isn't it possible that 20, 30, 40, or even 50 years of patterned and deeply-ingrained behaviors are not going to be substantially and positively influenced by simple surgery?
One of the results of castration is the lowering of testosterone and aggressiveness. Available evidence suggests the natural development of placidity and tranquility would make dangerous individuals unlikely (once their level of testosterone was depleted). That it may be possible for a few "treated" pedophiles to become violent... does not diminish the benefits of having thousands of "cured" pedophiles who are no longer sexual predators.
You must admit - if castration were an accepted form of punishment - it would be a great deterrent for borderline individuals with pedophile tendencies.Deterrent - yes. Cure - no.
Would you let one such "treated" individual babysit your children?
Castration might not produce "model" citizens but "treated" individuals could effectively return to society. Children would be safer and parents would have less to fear.
Laura Hult | 09/19/09 | 10:05 AM
You must admit - if castration were an accepted form of punishment - it would be a great deterrent for borderline individuals with pedophile tendencies.I would agree, provided that the same could be done to the attorney's and judges in the event of wrongful conviction. Therein lies the problem, since some "pedophiles" were charged as a result of "recovered memories" and angry ex-spouses.
I don't want to overstate the innocence angle, but I don't have a great deal of confidence in the legal system and while many there are certainly plenty of real convicted pedophiles, I'm puzzled by the seemingly irrational desire to perptually free these people. With the recidivism what it is, it's obvious that the sex offender roles are not properly maintained and often the label of sex offender is frivolously applied to completely inappropriate circumstances. Similarly, this sounds like another such solution.
If an individual cannot safely reside in society, why go to such extraordinary lengths to set them free?
Children would be safer and parents would have less to fear.I don't believe that's true. Parents need to be vigilant and concerned about the pedophile that hasn't been caught, especially when it may often be a family member. I don't think parents need to be hipervigilant, but they can't afford to be too casual regardless of how pedophiles are treated. It will never be a "Leave It To Beaver" world.
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Mundus vult decipi
Gerhard Adam | 09/18/09 | 23:07 PM
When it comes to pedophiles that harm a child most people would prefer the death penalty. History has proven there is no cure for their condition (other than my possible solution) but I think death is kind of drastic measure (especially as some of them will prove to be innocent).
I agree letting these people out of prison to roam the streets again is unconscionable. Unless they are locked up for the rest of their natural life they can never be considered "safe". However, few pedophiles ever get life (20 years) and when their time is up.... we've all heard the stories about dirty old men.
That is why I suggest castration. With a minimum sentence these people could be returned to society "reformed" as it were. Probably many pedophiles would voluntarily submit to this operation when faced with 20 years in prison. I believe castrating pedophiles would benefit everyone. The pedophile would not need to spend his life in prison and society would not need to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars keeping him locked up.
It's true that it would never be a "Leave It To Beaver" world. but what we have right now is truly frightening. If you use the Internet to identify where pedophiles are living -- it could show hundreds living close to you. No wonder parents are paranoid. While it's true you must be vigilant for the predator that hasn't been caught -- at least you wouldn't have to worry about the one just released from prison. For an innocent man any penalty sucks.. sometimes life's a bitch. Just ask a pedophile's victim.
I agree letting these people out of prison to roam the streets again is unconscionable. Unless they are locked up for the rest of their natural life they can never be considered "safe". However, few pedophiles ever get life (20 years) and when their time is up.... we've all heard the stories about dirty old men.
That is why I suggest castration. With a minimum sentence these people could be returned to society "reformed" as it were. Probably many pedophiles would voluntarily submit to this operation when faced with 20 years in prison. I believe castrating pedophiles would benefit everyone. The pedophile would not need to spend his life in prison and society would not need to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars keeping him locked up.
It's true that it would never be a "Leave It To Beaver" world. but what we have right now is truly frightening. If you use the Internet to identify where pedophiles are living -- it could show hundreds living close to you. No wonder parents are paranoid. While it's true you must be vigilant for the predator that hasn't been caught -- at least you wouldn't have to worry about the one just released from prison. For an innocent man any penalty sucks.. sometimes life's a bitch. Just ask a pedophile's victim.
Ron (not verified) | 09/19/09 | 01:28 AM
When it comes to pedophiles that harm a child most people would prefer the death penalty. History has proven there is no cure for their condition (other than my possible solution) but I think death is kind of drastic measure (especially as some of them will prove to be innocent).I doubt that you or anyone you know has ever been sexually assaulted. The effects are typically permanent and invade every aspect of the survivor's life. Once the offender is released from prison, victims often go into hiding - effectively being imprisoned for the rest of their lives.
Laura Hult | 09/19/09 | 10:12 AM
I understand the sentiment, but it still makes no sense. Since the pedophile records are often inaccurate or incomplete (just look at the Jaycee Dugard case to see how fouled up things can get), the information parents think they can rely on is often wrong.
My point is that I don't hear this kind of rationalization when it comes to murderers and drug dealers, but for some reason with pedophiles everyone thinks that we can save some money by not keeping them locked up. It simply makes no sense.
If they are incapable of being reformed, then the law needs to reflect that fact. There are no interim steps that are reasonable since such an individual will always represent a risk.
Also, keep in mind that many of the listed sex offenders are NOT pedophiles which is part of what's wrong with the system. People tend to put all these different offenses into the same general category and that simply feeds their paranoia.
For example, if you extended your argument to rapists, I would say that it unequivocally wouldn't work, since rape isn't about sex. Therefore, I'm not absolutely convinced that any form of castration makes any real difference.
—
Mundus vult decipi
Gerhard Adam | 09/19/09 | 01:52 AM
The Jaycee Dugard case represents exactly why castration should be used. If Phillip Garrido had been castrated after his first offence, then Jaycee would not have spent 18 years living in his back yard.
And I know that rape is not about sex -- it's about power, but the benefits of castration still apply. First castration is a great deterrent -- making any rapist reconsider his actions. Secondly, castration lowers the levels of testosterone and aggressiveness. This is one of the reasons castration is used for studs and bulls. It removes hostile passion and has a calming effect.
Perhaps castration should be used for murderers, drug dealers, violent gangs and terrorists to. Our justice system is obviously not working and seems incapable of protect society. Our prisons are bursting with social malcontents and the costs are breaking the bank.
People who have difficulty controlling their emotions and passions may need a little help. For less serious crimes - how about three strikes and "their" out?
And I know that rape is not about sex -- it's about power, but the benefits of castration still apply. First castration is a great deterrent -- making any rapist reconsider his actions. Secondly, castration lowers the levels of testosterone and aggressiveness. This is one of the reasons castration is used for studs and bulls. It removes hostile passion and has a calming effect.
Perhaps castration should be used for murderers, drug dealers, violent gangs and terrorists to. Our justice system is obviously not working and seems incapable of protect society. Our prisons are bursting with social malcontents and the costs are breaking the bank.
People who have difficulty controlling their emotions and passions may need a little help. For less serious crimes - how about three strikes and "their" out?
Ron (not verified) | 09/19/09 | 10:36 AM
This is one of the reasons castration is used for studs and bulls. It removes hostile passion and has a calming effect.Yeah, I know how well that works. It converts a horse or bull from lethal to merely dangerous. The truth of the matter is, that the only effect of the castration is to eliminate sexual aggression. The animal can still be very aggressive and even hostile.
More to the point, some of the most aggressive/hostile animals are females, so how does that fit in?
—
Mundus vult decipi
Gerhard Adam | 09/19/09 | 13:35 PM
The tacit acceptance that our views differ implies that they are merely opinions, and ignores a growing body of evidence that remediation techniques simply do not work.
viva la difference?
Laura Hult | 09/19/09 | 15:44 PM
Ain't it the truth.
Unfortunately nothing else does either. Spit into the wind at your own peril.
On another note -- you might find this interesting.
How President Obama could end the war in Afghanistan, win the war on drugs,
pay for his health care program and feed the hungry in Africa – all in less than a year.
http://hyprlock.com/misc/poppies/index.htm
Unfortunately nothing else does either. Spit into the wind at your own peril.
On another note -- you might find this interesting.
How President Obama could end the war in Afghanistan, win the war on drugs,
pay for his health care program and feed the hungry in Africa – all in less than a year.
http://hyprlock.com/misc/poppies/index.htm
Ron (not verified) | 09/19/09 | 17:12 PM
So you're suggesting cutting off body parts as a solution to a psychological disorder? Sounds like the same thing they thought about lobotomy.
James (not verified) | 07/10/11 | 15:06 PM
The claim that these guys quickly got down to a few candidate genes sounds really suspicious to me - it's extremely difficult to get down to a causal mutation in any genetic disorder. For a complex one, like sexual behavior, which is likely influenced by many genes, it's impossible without large numbers. The current genome-wide association studies, aimed at getting down to the causal variants for complex diseases like heart disease or predisposition to cancer, involve thousands of cases and controls.
I can't imagine that this research had a sample population anywhere close to what you need to do to make these kinds of genetic claims.