Pedophilia is accompanied by increased plasma concentrations of catecholamines, in particular epinephrine

M Maes; N De Vos; F Van Hunsel; D Van West; H Westenberg; P Cosyns; H Neels

doi:10.1016/s0165-1781(01)00268-2

Pedophilia is accompanied by increased plasma concentrations of catecholamines, in particular epinephrine

Psychiatry Res. 2001 Aug 5;103(1):43-9. doi: 10.1016/s0165-1781(01)00268-2.

Authors

M Maes¹, N De Vos, F Van Hunsel, D Van West, H Westenberg, P Cosyns, H Neels

Affiliation

¹ Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, University Hospital of, Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands. [email protected]

PMID: 11472789
DOI: 10.1016/s0165-1781(01)00268-2

Abstract

Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations were measured in pedophiles and normal men both in placebo conditions and after administration of meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP), a post-synaptic 5-HT2 receptor agonist. The plasma concentrations of catecholamines, in particular epinephrine, were significantly increased in pedophiles. It is concluded that pedophiles may have an increased activity of the sympathoadrenal system.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Catecholamines / blood*
Catecholamines / metabolism
Epinephrine / blood*
Epinephrine / metabolism
Humans
Male
Pedophilia / blood*
Piperazines / pharmacology
Receptors, Serotonin / drug effects
Serotonin Receptor Agonists / pharmacology

Substances

Catecholamines
Piperazines
Receptors, Serotonin
Serotonin Receptor Agonists
1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine
Epinephrine