NCJ Number
140716
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 18 Issue: 3/4 Dated: (1992) Pages: 125-139
Date Published
1992
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Qualitative data on the treatment of sex offenders with anti-androgen therapy, specifically DepoProvera, at the University of Texas Medical Branch program are described.
Abstract
The men accepted into the DepoProvera program had to admit to their offense without attributing it to other factors including drug or alcohol abuse or childhood abuse, had to understand the length of the treatment, and had to be motivated to accept the treatment. This group was compared to another group of offenders who had the same clinical and legal problems, but who refused pharmacological treatment. The goals of treatment were to prevent further victimization, develop personal insight, enhance self-esteem, and to make restitution to society. Side effects of DepoProvera use can include gallstones, weight gain, malaise, muscle cramps, and diabetes. Findings from programs such as this one indicate that possible factors predicting recidivism of sex offenders may include high initial plasma testosterone, regressed behavior type, exhibitionism, continued substance abuse, and past history of major head trauma. 2 tables and 15 references