paper is to analyze the biological and psychological aspects of chemical castration and its effectiveness for treating sex offenders in order to eliminate deviant sexual behavior. The following examination of the drugs used in chemical castration and the research studies will illustrate the problems surrounding the current application of chemical castration to sex offenders.
B. Description of different types of hormone treatments
Derived from the hormone progesterone, MA was initially used to treat breast cancer, secondary amenorrhea and abnormal uterine bleeding. However, Berlin and Meinecke (1981) discovered the usefulness of MA for paraphilias because it decreased the production of testosterone, thus reducing sexual impulses and increasing self-control (pp. 604-6). Their findings were verified by Gagne's work. Gagne (1981) also found that paraphilias who were treated with MA for three weeks had decreased testosterone levels and reported diminishing interest in sexual fantasies and sexual urges, along with an enhanced ability to control sexual impulses (pp. 644-5). According to Gagne (1981), chemical castration is most effective when it is accompanied with psychotherapy. Furthermore, the patients are most likely to succeed in their recovery when they are committed to participate in the treatment program (p. 646).
Two other types of hormones have also been used in the treatment of sex offender. The first one is Cyproterone Acetate (CA), or Androcur that is used principally in Europe, Canada and Israel to treat sex offenders. As with MA, CA curbs the sexual obsessions of sex offenders by reducing testosterone levels, thus leading to a decreased interest in sexual impulses and sexual behavior. According to Cooper (1986), CA can help first-time sex offenders who want to overcome their problem. Furthermore, these sex offenders should be surrounded by loved ones who provide them with encouragement (pp. 687-92).
The third...