The texas experience with depoprovera: 1980-1990

We are reporting on our experience with treatment of sex offending behaviors with anti-androgen therapy (DepoProvera) to control sex offending behaviors. In the last ten years, we have had the opportunity to compare a group of men who received DepoProvera to a group who had the same clinical and legal problems of sexual offenses but who refused pharmacological treatment. Both groups received group therapy, individual therapy, and sometimes family therapy. The goal of treatment was to prevent further victimization, develop personal insight. enhance self esteem, and to make restitution to society through successful probation and parole, working regularly, and meeting their adult responsibilities. Side effects of the medication can be serious and include formation of gall stones, weight gain, malaise, muscle cramps, and even diabetes. Outcome results indicate that possible factors signifying an increased likelihood of re-offense are high initial plasma testosterone, regressed behavior type, exhibitionism, continued substance abuse, and past history of major head trauma. Many of the professional and ethical issues surrounding DepoProvera treatment are serious considerations in establishing this type of treatment program.