Alcohol's Possible Covert Role: Brain Dysfunction,Paraphilias,and Sexually Aggressive Behaviors

Abstract

A number of studies have suggested a relationship between sexually anomalous behavior and brain dysfunction. However, in most cases, the etiology of this dysfunction remains elusive. In this paper, alcohol exposure in utero (fetal alcohol syndrome) is offered as one possible explanation for the neurophysiological abnormalities that appear to characterize a notable proportion of individuals within the paraphilic and sexually aggressive populations. It is noteworthy that the teratogenic effects of alcohol upon humans and animals often leads to a number of the behavioral and physiological abnormalities exhibited by some of these individuals.

Keywords

alcohol abuse alcohol use brain damage CNS dysfunction fetal alcohol syndrome paraphilias sexual aggression sexual offending teratogenicity

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