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Chapter 12 - Sexual Offences and Paraphilias

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2024

By
Stuart Banham ,
Gemma Lewin  and
John Devapriam
Edited by
David M. L. Branford ,
Satheesh K. Gangadharan ,
Mary Barrett  and
Regi T. Alexander
David M. L. Branford
Affiliation:
Independent Pharmacy Consultant
Satheesh K. Gangadharan
Affiliation:
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Mary Barrett
Affiliation:
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Regi T. Alexander
Affiliation:
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
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Summary

Although the terms ‘sexual offences’ and ‘paraphilias’ are often used interchangeably, and there is overlap between them, there needs to be clarity about what each means. Sexual offences are marked by breaches of statute law, determined largely by the justice system (although an individual’s behaviour can place them at risk of law breaking). Only a proportion of sex offenders suffer from paraphilias and not all individuals with a paraphilia are sex offenders. Frequently individuals suffering from paraphilias harbour extreme sexual fantasies and urges only, or their act does not cross the threshold of involving a non-consenting individual or child. The treatment of paraphilias is not solely based on minimising risk, but also can include the aim of reducing the severe distress that an individual can feel about their extreme sexual urges. Whether people with intellectual disability are more likely to offend sexually than the general population is the subject of much research. Exploration of the range of sexual problems and potential treatments are covered.

Keywords

paraphilic disorderssexual abuseantiandrogenscyproteroneantipsychoticsgonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GNRH) analogues
Type
Chapter
Information
The Frith Prescribing Guidelines for People with Intellectual Disability , pp. 169 - 179
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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References

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