Evaluation of medication to manage problematic arousal
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating the impact and effectiveness of medication to manage problematic sexual arousal and improve wellbeing in individuals with sexual convictions
IRAS ID
271076
Contact name
Emma Marshall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Nottingham Trent University
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 22 days
Research summary
The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of medication to manage problematic sexual arousal (MMPSA) and improve well-being, in individuals who have been convicted of sexual offences. Prior to 2007 the only interventions available to individuals with sexual convictions were psychological in nature. However, for individuals who have problematic sexual arousal, concentration on these psychological interventions can be difficult as a result of their intensive and intrusive sexual thoughts. In such cases, an addition of MMPSA to the treatment package can assist the individual by reducing problematic levels of arousal leaving them in a better position to engage with psychological interventions. Research into the effectiveness of the medication has already been undertaken by the Sexual Offences Crime and Misconduct Research Unit (SOCAMRU) at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) on individuals who are currently serving a custodial sentence. The evaluation was given ethical approval to extend to a National level in 2017. The current research project is a continuation of the longitudinal evaluation into the effectiveness of MMPSA by NTU, HMP Whatton and HMPPS. The study aims to further add to the findings by focusing on individuals who have been released back into the community to see how effective the medication is following release. The study will use the same scales that are currently being used in the custodial evaluation in addition to undertaking interviews with individuals who have been prescribed MMPSA.
REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/EE/0089
Date of REC Opinion
28 May 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion