Aggression, impulsivity, plasma sex hormones, and biogenic amine turnover in a forensic population of rapists

J Sex Marital Ther. 2003 May-Jun;29(3):215-25. doi: 10.1080/00926230390155113.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess androgen plasma levels and biogenic amine metabolites in a sex-offender group as well as to investigate the relationship between the biological findings and the impulsive, aggressive, and suicidal profile of the offenders. Fifty-seven males convicted for rape and 25 normal males comprised the study sample. We found that although both testosterone levels and aggression-impulsivity scores were higher in the group of rapists, testosterone levels were not associated with the aggression and impulsivity scores. Nevertheless, aggression-impulsivity scores were clearly associated with luteinizing hormone levels. This association may indicate a hyperactive hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, possibly the result of a reduced serotonergic activity.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aggression*
  • Biogenic Amines / blood*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Corpus Luteum Hormones / blood
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / blood
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones / blood*
  • Greece
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prisoners*
  • Radioimmunoassay
  • Rape*
  • Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / metabolism
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Testosterone / blood
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Biogenic Amines
  • Corpus Luteum Hormones
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones
  • Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin
  • Testosterone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone