Paraphilic Disorders: Biological Factors

Paraphilic disorders are a heterogeneous group of deviant sexual interests, the causes of which are complex, occurring at the psychological, social, and biological levels. Understanding the etiology (cause) of paraphilic disorders is an important part of identifying appropriate treatment. This entry focuses on the role of biological factors in the development and treatment of paraphilic disorders. Biological factors include brain structure and function and the role of hormones.

Individuals with a paraphilic disorder may not demonstrate criminally problematic behavior, and not all those with criminally problematic behaviors have a paraphilic disorder such as pedophilia (a sexual interest in children). However, most research intended to understand paraphilic disorders has focused on men who have committed sexual offenses, typically against children (pedophilia). There is very little documented ...

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