Introduction: Rape and pedophilic child molestation are the most commonly convicted sexual offenses in Poland. Recent studies have suggested a possible genetic contribution toward pathologic sexual interests and behaviors.
Aim: To analyze and compare functional polymorphisms of genes associated with the activity of the serotonin and dopamine systems in a group of paraphilic sexual offenders and control subjects.
Methods: The study sample (n = 97) consisted of two groups: paraphilic sexual offenders (65 pedophilic child molesters and 32 rapists) and controls (n = 76). Genetic polymorphisms previously associated with behavioral control, addictive behaviors, and sexual functions were chosen for analyses. Specifically, functional polymorphisms in dopamine receptors genes (DRD1, DRD2, DRD4), catechol-O-methyltransferase gene (COMT), dopamine transporter gene (DAT), serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4), serotonin type 2A receptor gene (5HTR2A), tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene (TPH2), monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) were analyzed.
Main outcome measures: An association between a history of sexual offense and the distribution of genotypes and alleles in the analyzed polymorphisms.
Results: Our results found no association between a history of sexual offense and the distribution of genotypes or alleles in the analyzed polymorphisms.
Conclusion: Although these results are limited by the small sample and are exploratory, they highlight a novel approach to sample selection in a population that is difficult to access and study. Future research should include larger samples and other relevant polymorphisms to advance this field of study.
Keywords: Dopamine; Genetic Polymorphism; Pedophilia; Serotonin; Sexual Offense.
Copyright © 2016 International Society for Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.