hormone therapy

Question 1

how does hormone cause aggressive behaviour?

Answer 1

elevated testosterone is associated with aggression

Question 2

chemical castration (hormone therapy)

Answer 2

• involves the administration of drugs that reduce the recipient’s libido and, it is hoped, their sexual activity

Question 3

why is hormone therapy used with criminals (sexual offenders)?

Answer 3

• to maintain normal sexual drives
• more ethical than physical castration, as it is reversible
• biological interventions might be linked to greater reduction in recidivism
• if the biological influences of the sexually deviant behaviour
  are reduced this in turn would impact on the social and psychological influences of the behaviour

Question 4

what are (anti) androgens and how are they used in hormone therapy?

Answer 4

• androgens are male sex hormones (testosterone is an androgen)
• anti-androgens are given during hormone therapy to counteract the effect of androgens and reduce testosterone levels
• some lower the production of androgens while others block the body’s ability to make use of the androgens produced
• so for offenders, anti-androgens leads to a decrease of deviant and
  non-deviant sexual urges

Question 5

how is hormone therapy conducted?

Answer 5

1) anti-androgens are given in varying dose’s via injections, usually depends on offender’s levels of testosterone, and can be given daily, weekly or monthly
2) the dose is reduced after assessment to determine the risk posed by the individual
3) if treatment is stopped the behaviour may return, therefore the treatment is seen as long term, unless deemed to show significant improvement

Question 6

MPA (anti-androgen)

Answer 6

• female hormone, decreasing the functioning of testosterone by inhibiting luteinising hormones (secreted by the pituitary gland)
• reduces sexual drive, deviant sexual fantasies and possibly aggression
• administered in an injection, into the muscles every 7-10 days
• side effects: weight gain, breast enlargement and decreased sperm production

Question 7

CPA (anti-androgen)

Answer 7

• only available in Canada
• reduces sexual drive and deviant fantasies quickly
• side effects include liver dysfunction and adrenal suppression