Sexual offenders

Abstract

Sexual offenders are a heterogeneous group of people. No general aphorisms describe them adequately and treatment is best prescribed on an individual basis. Some dangerous offenders have considerable sexual problems. Drug treatment, behaviour treatment and psychotherapy all offer a possibility of help for the motivated deviant. Deviants who come into conflict with the law create special ethical problems which must always be carefully considered. The psychiatrist's job is to assess each case thoroughly to see whether realistic and positive management recommendations can be made and to put them to the court for a final decision.