Diagnostik und störungsspezifische Therapie bei Sexualdelinquenten mit psychischen Störungen

Background: Systematic work regarding the diagnostics and behavior therapy of violent sex offenders with mental disorders is mostly lacking in German publications. Therefore, this study presents the diagnoses which are mainly relevant for this small but particularly dangerous group of offenders on the basis of DSM IV (paraphilia and impulse control disorders) and describes specifically indicated interventions. Methods: Characteristic features are emphasized which differentiate paraphiliacs and offenders with an impulse control disorder with regard to learning history, sexual preferences, and the stimulus conditions which triggered the offense. Further, a validation study is presented which examined the differences between both disorders concerning impulsivity, social anxiety, avoidance of interpersonal conflicts, and dysfunctional self-conscious-ness. Results: Results showed that the proposed categorization is valid and that paraphiliacs and offenders with an impulse control disorder can be psychologically useful differentiated. Conclusions: In this framework, first conclusions can be drawn regarding the treatment elements which are considered to be relevant for disorder-specific therapy. Different procedures for the treatment of paraphiliacs and offenders with an impulse control disorder are described for the following areas: establishment of a therapeutic relationship, modification of sexual preferences, training of social and coping skills, conflict management, modification of cognitive distortions, and relapse prevention.