Endocrine functioning in sadists, nonsadistic sexual aggressives and criminal controls was examined in two studies. In Study 1 baseline values for 8 hormones and 2 indices of free testosterone were compared. There were no statistically significant group differences, although some cases showed abnormalities. In Study 2, the ACTH test was performed. The groups did not differ in the test results but sexual aggressives had significantly lower baseline values of DHEA-S than controls. The results could not be explained by group differences in alcohol or drug abuse. If the endocrine system plays a primary role in the etiology of sexually aggressive behavior, that role still remains to be characterized and clarified.
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