Through interdisciplinary research methods, we aim to develop effective, safe, and scalable interventions, online and in the clinic. Our research is at the forefront of deepening the understanding of pedophilia neurobiologically and psychologically, as well as establishing evidence-based treatment methods.
Part of our research focuses on neuropsychiatric investigations, where brain imaging studies are used to explore the etiology of pedophilia and risk factors for committing abuse. The results from these studies have contributed to the understanding of pedophilia as part of a larger neuropsychiatric problem.
We also conduct pharmacological studies to investigate how medical treatments can be used to prevent sexual offenses in high-risk individuals. Our research shows that the testosterone suppressing medication degarelix can be effective in this context, and well appreciated by patients. Follow-up studies are now being planned to evaluate long-term effects.
A third line of research focuses on the development and evaluation of psychotherapeutic interventions. Our cognitive behavioral therapy program, Prevent It, available free and anonymously online, globally, has been shown to be effective in significantly reducing the amount of time anonymous individuals recruited via the Darknet viewed child sexual abuse material. This has led to the development and evaluation of several other related treatment programs conducted in multicenter trials and offered in nine different languages to closely examine the effectiveness of the interventions. Among other things, in Project Bridge we are testing motivational interviewing as a technique to increase likelihood of seeking healthcare for sexual impulses directed at children, and together with the Swedish Prison and Probation Services, cognitive behavioral therapy is being evaluated in prison.
In the group, there is also a project on the implementation of violence prevention efforts within 24-hour psychiatric care, in a national collaborative project.
The research group is led by Christoffer Rahm, who is primarily responsible for conducting research activities, and Malin Joleby, who is responsible for personnel, work environment and finances.