ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the role of pharmacological treatment in the management of mental and sexual disorders in sexual homicide offenders. Prevalence, the relationship between the disorder and offending behaviour, and practical and clinical treatment considerations are briefly discussed for each disorder. Anti-libidinal medication is discussed in the context of its use in treating sexual disorders (which include paraphilias and paraphilia-related disorders), the mechanism of action of such medication, the cases in which it could be useful, and legal and ethical issues. Case examples are used to illustrate presentations where medical treatment may be considered. The chapter concludes that the role of pharmacological treatment is important in a significant minority of cases and highlights the need for it to be considered as one part of a larger and more complex biopsychosocial risk management plan.
