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Psychosurgery on sex offenders and sexual “deviants” in West Germany

Archives of Sexual Behavior volume 8, pages 523–527 (1979)Cite this article

Abstract

About 70 men have undergone a stereotaxic hypothalamotomy in West Germany for sexual behaviors. In most cases the nucleus ventromedialis (Cajal) has been unilaterally destroyed. The question of whether this kind of psychosurgery should be legally controlled is being discussed by both scientists and the public in West Germany. The justification for this psychosurgery is taken from a theoretical basis which is at least questionable and which stems from a biologically truncated and therefore limited perspective on human sexuality. An inspection of the published reports shows that the indication for surgery was based on questionable scientific and clinical grounds and practically excludes psychotherapeutic and sociotherapeutic aspects. In the authors' opinion stereotaxic hypothalamotomy can in no way be regarded as an unquestioned, applicable method of therapy. We consider it essential that this surgery be suspended at least as long as the possible therapeutic effectiveness and the possible adverse side effects remain unclear.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Sexual Science, Frankfurt University Medical School, Frankfurt/Main, West Germany

    Inge Rieber M.D. & Volkmar Sigusch M.D., D.Sc.

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  1. Inge Rieber M.D.
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  2. Volkmar Sigusch M.D., D.Sc.
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Rieber, I., Sigusch, V. Psychosurgery on sex offenders and sexual “deviants” in West Germany. Arch Sex Behav 8, 523–527 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01541419

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01541419