PROFESSIONALS WHO SEXUALLY OFFEND - EVALUATION PROCEDURES AND PRELIMINARY FINDINGS

Methods and results of the Psychiatric evaluations of 31 professionals who have been accused of sexually inappropriate behaviors within thei r work context are presented. Eight types of professionals were evalua ted the majority were clergy, physicians, and teachers. Paraphilia was diagnosed in 26%, a nonparaphilic sexual compulsive syndrome in anoth er 29%, and some form of character disorder in 58%. Seven professional s had offended six or more times. The ethical failures of the professi onals were diverse and could not simply be explained by psychiatric di agnoses. Approximately half of the professionals were thought to be sa fe to return to work often with a recommendation for psychotherapy and monitoring of their professional activities. A recommendation to no l onger practice their professional roles was given for 47% of those eva luated, and the referring agency followed through with the recommendat ion. Outpatient psychotherapy was recommended for 84% of the sample. P sychotropic medications were occasionally recommended.