neurochemical treatment

Question 1

what is this policy?

Answer 1

biological

Question 2

explain neurochemical treatment as a policy??

Answer 2

• chemical castration is a legal body chemical treatment that has been used in UK since around 1944 to reduce the level of testosterone in men and also in women to lower sexual desire and libido
• it is done through administration of antiandrogen drugs either in pill form or injections
• initially used for treatment sex offenders to cure their problem and in 2010 british man agreed to undergo it
• but also has used on those deemed to be sexually deviant

Question 3

how does this policy link to biological theories?

Answer 3

• this links the idea that criminals suffer from biological abnormalities, such as irregular hormone levels
• for example, from a biological perspective a sex offenders action could be caused by the result of an overproduction of sex hormones
• therefore, by administrating the treatment it is an attempt to cure abnormality
• once the abnormality is addressed then the criminal behaviour should reduce as a by product

Question 4

what are the arguments for the policy working??

Answer 4

• been trialed in many countries like Sweden, Denmark and Canada with evidence from Scandinavia suggesting it can cut re-offending rates from 40% - 5%
• reduces the motivation and ability to commit sexual offences
• allows convicted criminal to participate in society, rather than being institutionalized at public expense

Question 5

what are the arguments against this policy working??

Answer 5

• positive effects limited and the manufacturer of most common drug used have stated tat it is anticipated only small numbers of sex offenders will benefit from these treatments
• treatment usually last between 3-5 years and 2013 study found that the treatment is no longer effective after is is discontinued. research was also able to identify negative side effects