injection to stop testosterone

[ballsrgone (imported)]

An article in todays British Telegraph.... Volunteers needed apparently

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016 ... -children/

Sarah Knapton, science editor

7 APRIL 2016 • 12:01AM

Paedophiles could be treated with a single injection to prevent them abusing children, scientists hope.

Experts in Sweden believe that a drug which stops the brain from making testosterone can combat hyper-sexuality and aggression, turning off the need to seek out sexual contact with youngsters.

The drug degaralix is currently being tested on five Swedish men who called a sexual offenders helpline because they were concerned about their paedophilic inclinations.

“The goal of pilot is to reduce the number of child sexual abuses, intervening before the damage is done.”

Dr Christoffer Rahm, Karolinska Institute

Scientists at the Karolinksa Institute in Sweden now want to expand the trial to 60 men, and have today launched a crowdfunding project to raise money for the controversial research.

Dr Christoffer Rahm, Consultant Psychiatrist and post-doctoral researcher at the Karolinska Institute said: “Child sexual abuse is one of the most pervasive social problems today. This issue is hard to deal with, but we must, because it effects all of us.

“Child sexual abuse causes a lot of suffering for the victims and their relatives, and also costs society enormous amounts of money. It also has negative consequences for the perpetrator who risks becoming totally isolated, depressed and sentence to imprisonment.

“Up until now, most of the attention has been trying to deal with perpetrators by the police but by this stage children have already been harmed. With this research project .I want to shift focus and explore methods of preventing child sexual abuse from happening in the first place. “What is relatively unknown is that a substantial number of patients which paedophilic disorder actually want help.

“The goal of pilot is to reduce the number of child sexual abuses, intervening before the damage is done.”

Studies have suggested that between one in 20 and one in 35 men are sexually attracted to pre-pubescent children, a prevalence so high that some experts think it could be an orientation, in the same way as homosexuality or heterosexuality.

Around one in 10 girls are sexually abused as youngsters and one in 20 boys. More than 36,000 sexual offences were recorded against children in the UK last year.

The Home Office estimates that the cost each child sexual offences costs £37,000 when taking into account the police investigation, legal proceedings and medical treatment.

One in 10 girls and one in 20 boys are abused in childhood CREDIT: ALAMY/ALAMY

Drugs have been used in the past to ‘chemically castrate’ sexual offenders, but always after abuse has taken place. Many of the therapies used also have serious side effects such as breast growth, bone thinning, mood changes.

The new treatment would work before a crime has been committed. It is hoped that men who are worried that they will abuse children would voluntarily opt for the treatment.

As part of the research the team will also be trying to identify biomarkers which could indicate if a person was prone to paedophilia. Last year, researchers from the Karolinska Institute and Oxford University found that 40 per cent of the risk of committing a sex crime is genetic, with the remaining 60 per cent down to personal and environmental factors, such as being abused as a child.

Although the researchers have ruled out screening for paedophiles, it could help identify those who were likely to benefit from medication.

The new drug, degarelix, is a hormone therapy which is currently used in the treatment of prostate cancer. It blocks brain signals which stimulate the testicles to produce testosterone. Testosterone is known to be linked to high sexual arousal, diminished self-regulation and low empathy. The drug appears to block receptors in the limbic system of the brain which promote anger.

Initial trials showed that after three days men had no detectable levels of testosterone and within two weeks their risk of abusing children had dropped substantially.

One way risk was measured was by scanning brains for sexual arousal while looking at computer-generated images of scantily clad children. The drug appeared to limit arousal.

The effect lasts for three months and another injection could be given afterwards if sexually inappropriate behaviour and thoughts returned.

Assistant Prof Stefan Arver, Karolinska Institute added: “Sexual crimes are committed by people who are unknown to society, 90 per cent are new perpetrators.

“They exist already out in society, at the grocery store, and some of them will commit crimes.

“We need to reach those people who have behaviours which may lead to crime and abuse. We need treatment programmes.

“In 2012 we raised money to establish a telephone line where people who are worried about their own sexuality can call and talk to a professional. We have the proof of principle that people with these worries really want help, and we have shown if help is offered people will come forward.”

Researchers said the project was focussed on men because, while it was acknowledged that women also sexually abuse children, it is men who carry out the most serious crimes.

Prof Donald Grubin, Emeritus Professor of Forensic Psychiatry, Newcastle University, added: “It's about prevention. Typically we come in after an offence is committed and we're trying to pick up the pieces.”

The project called Priotab (Paedophilia at Risk – Investigations of Treatment and Biomarkers) is being launched on the crowdfunding site Walacea. Researchers need £38,000 to fund the project.

[gandalf (imported)]

A question came to mind while reading this report. It seems to me that this drug would be beneficial to use against rapists period. Whether children, men, or women, a rapist is a rapist and perhaps this drug would help alleviate this behavior.

[ambiguous (imported)]

I can't see how this would help someone with serious mental health issues.

[ballsrgone (imported)]

I can't see how this would help someone with serious mental health issues.

I think this is more for people who are relatively sane but may be afraid of the fantasies they have and that they feel they might be close to acting on them, or would like to get rid of those fantasises on a voluntary basis. The seriously mentally ill I am afraid have no empathy and think everyone else has a problem not them so would be unlikely to think there is anything wrong with having those desires or acting them out and wouldn't consider taking anything to stop them, so not a solution for them...

[erikboy (imported)]

As part of the research the team will also be trying to identify biomarkers which could indicate if a person was prone to paedophilia.

Now that is interesting. So far scientists have failed to pinpoint "gay gene". So, how would these scientists be able to find a "bio marker" of any other type of sexuality or "philiae"?

Until there is no clear explanation about how sexuality developes in humans, finding a "bio marker" sounds more like a witch trial water test.

So, lets assume, they find some kind of "biomarker", then what? I doubt any biomarker of that kind could be reliable, is there still need to use it? Of course there is. Who would want to risk hiring a (potential) pedophile? And what about legislation? If someone is officially marked as potential pedophile then these people are going to be registered in certain registers that are available to certain offices and at some places registers are even public.

Offending pedophile is no better than any rapist. P

eople who are worried about their

potential acts should be able to find easy help and continue with their lives. People who rape, should be jailed and receive psychiatric treatment forcefully, as they are not able to control their urges.

[Paolo]

The new drug, degarelix, is a hormone therapy which is currently used in the treatment of prostate cancer. It blocks brain signals which stimulate the testicles to produce testosterone. Testosterone is known to be linked to high sexual arousal, diminished self-regulation and low empathy. The drug appears to block receptors in the limbic system of the brain which promote anger.

This paragraph is just LOADED with implications. Definitely something to further study.

[Paolo]

From www.drugs.com/degarelix.html

Degarelix Generic Name: degarelix (DEG a REL ix)

Brand Names: Firmagon

Overview

Side Effects (http://www.drugs.com/sfx/degarelix-side-effects.html)

Dosage (http://www.drugs.com/dosage/degarelix.html)

Interactions (http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/degarelix.html)

Professional (http://www.drugs.com/ppa/degarelix.html)

More

What is degarelix?Degarelix is a man-made form of a protein that reduces the amount of certain hormones in the body, including testosterone.

Degarelix is used to treat prostate cancer (http://www.drugs.com/health-guide/prostate-cancer.html). It works by decreasing the amount of testosterone in the body, which the tumor needs to grow.

Degarelix may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information Although degarelix is not for use by women, this medication should not be used by a woman who is pregnant or breast-feeding, or who may become pregnant.

Before you receive degarelix, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome," congestive heart failure, or an electrolyte imbalance, such as low or high levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially a heart rhythm medication.

Degarelix is usually given once every 28 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

Before using this medicine You should not use degarelix if you are allergic to it.

To make sure degarelix is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

heart disease, heart rhythm disorder;

a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome;

liver or kidney disease; or

an electrolyte imbalance, such as low or high levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood.

Although degarelix is not for use by women, this medicine can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Degarelix should not be used by a woman who is pregnant.

It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Degarelix should not be used by a woman who is breast-feeding a baby.

How is degarelix given? Degarelix is injected under the skin around your stomach. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Degarelix is usually given once every 28 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.

The first time you receive degarelix, you will be given two injections. At your monthly follow-up visits you will receive only one injection.

While using degarelix, you may need frequent blood tests at your doctor's office.

What happens if I miss a dose? Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your degarelix injection.

What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving degarelix? On the day of your injection, avoid wearing a belt, tight waistband, or tight clothing around your stomach where the injection will be given.

Degarelix can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit). For at least 48 hours after you receive a dose, avoid allowing your body fluids to come into contact with your hands or other surfaces. Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

Degarelix side effects Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to degarelix: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;

pain or burning when you urinate;

shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain; or

dangerously high blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, nosebleed, anxiety, confusion, severe chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats.

Common degarelix side effects may include:

feeling tired;

chills or hot flashes;

weight gain;

abnormal liver function tests;

joint pain, back pain;

increased blood pressure;

impotence, loss of interest in sex, trouble having an orgasm; or

pain, swelling, redness, or a hard lump where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (http://www.drugs.com/sfx/degarelix-side-effects.html) (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect degarelix? Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

heart rhythm medicine--amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with degarelix, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Next → Side Effects (http://www.drugs.com/sfx/degarelix-side-effects.html)

[fhunter]

Until there is no clear explanation about how sexuality developes in humans, finding a "bio marker" sounds more like a witch trial water test.

So, lets assume, they find some kind of "biomarker", then what? I doubt any biomarker of that kind could be reliable, is there still need to use it? Of course there is. Who would want to risk hiring a (potential) pedophile? And what about legislation? If someone is officially marked as potential pedophile then these people are going to be registered in certain registers that are available to certain offices and at some places registers are even public.

And that creates a really big mess.

I'll just say that any databases do leak to the public, the question is only - when.

Given the potential and that the topic recently was not discussed sanely - this gives all possibilities for "witch hunts".

Even worse - given the "who would risk hiring?" - it causes unemployment/underemployment with all the consequences of that.

So now I remember Gattaca (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119177/).

PS. You draw a bleak future...