Resting state functional connectivity in pedophilic disorder and degarelix treatment

OBJECTIVE: There is a need for deeper understanding of neurological and psychological aspects of pedophilic disorder (PeD) to improve management of the disorder and thereby prevent child sexual abuse. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures have been suggested as imaging biomarkers that may contribute towards this goal. A previous study using degarelix, a testosterone suppressing drug, showed promising results in decreasing the risk of committing child sexual abuse among individuals with PeD. In this study, we evaluate functional connectivity (FC) related to PeD and degarelix treatment. METHODS: We used independent component analysis on resting state (rs)fMRI data acquired at baseline as well as two and ten weeks after injection of degarelix (or placebo) to evaluate FC alterations related to PeD and the degarelix treatment effect. RESULTS: FC was altered in relation to several resting state networks in individuals with PeD compared to healthy controls at baseline. At follow-up time points, however, group comparisons were inconclusive and did after FDR correction not render statistically significant FC alterations when comparing patients to controls or related to degarelix treatment, child sexual abuse (CSA) dynamic risk scores or comorbidities. CONCLUSION: We found FC alterations in PeD compared to healthy controls at baseline, however, no consistent, treatment specific FC signature of degarelix was demonstrated.