Paedophiles have differences in their brain that make them sexually attracted to children, according to new research.

An analysis of MRI scans found they are wired abnormally compared to heterosexuals, adding to a growing body of evidence that claims paedophilia is an illness.

The same regions of a healthy adult brain that register a sexual response are triggered by a paedophile seeing a child’s face, according to a new study.

THE STUDY IN BRIEF

Analysis of MRI scans showed that the brains of paedophiles are wired abnormally compared to heterosexuals.

The regions of a healthy adult brain that register a sexual response are triggered by a paedophile seeing a child’s face.

These include the occipital area responsible for receiving visual information from the eyes, the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex which is unique to humans, the putamen that controls sexual arousal and the caudate nucleus where emotional feelings assemble.

The research could mean that paedophilia could be diagnosed using children’s faces, overcoming ethical concerns about showing them naked pictures of youngsters under the age of consent.

ONE EXPERT CLAIMS AN ABNORMALLY WIRED BRAIN CAUSES PREDATORY BEHAVIOUR IN PAEDOPHILES

In another study, clinical psychologist James Cantor, studied MRI scans to look at the brains of paedophiles and believes that there is a literal 'cross wiring' of paedophiles' sexual response system and parental, nurturing system, in their brains.

Clinical psychologist James Cantor has previously suggested that paedophilia is an illness and is linked to abnormalities in the brain’s white matter.

He studied MRI scans to look at the brains of paedophiles and believes that there is a literal ‘cross-wiring’ of  the sexual response system and parental, nurturing system, in paedophiles' brains.

He also noticed that people who are sexually drawn to children are more likely to be left-handed, less intelligent and shorter than average men.

Dr Cantor, of the University of Toronto, Canada, was surprised to find ‘huge differences’ in the white matter of paedophiles’ brains when compared to those of typical men.

He believes his research adds to evidence that no man is in control of what he is sexually interested in and does not suggest that the cross-wiring could be fixed by an operation.

Dr Cantor said that paedophiles tend to be between 10 and 15 IQ points lower than average and are typically 2.5cm shorter than an average male.

He also discovered that 30 to 35 per cent of paedophiles are left-handed - much higher than average.

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Otra noticia relacionada: Paedophiles' Brains Are 'Tuned' To The Faces Of Children, Study Says. The Huffington Post UK  (Posted: 21/05/2014)  (enlace)