Pedophilia

What is pedophilia?

Pedophilia is a sexual disorder. People with this disorder have sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors that involve children.

What is the cause?

The exact cause of this disorder is not known. It may be related to things such as sexual abuse or a family history of mental illness. However, not all pedophiles were sexually abused as children.

What are the symptoms?

People with this disorder may pretend that they are not doing anything wrong. They may tell themselves that they are "teaching" the child or that the child "wants to" have sex. Most pedophiles are attracted to one gender and age group.

The symptoms of pedophilia are:

• For at least 6 months, having sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors with a child age 13 years or younger. This happens over and over.
• Preferring children who go along with requests. Pedophiles may look at naked children, expose themselves, or masturbate without touching the child. They may also force sexual acts on the child.
• The fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors cause pain, depression, anxiety, shame, or guilt. This may cause the pedophile to be more aggressive, or to do poorly at work or school.
• Pedophiles must be at least 16 years old, and at least 5 years older than the child.

Sexual abuse of a child does not always mean that someone is a pedophile. People who have antisocial personality disorder or sadism may abuse children. These disorders may be more about power and control than sex. Pedophiles are sexually drawn to children.

How is it diagnosed?

A healthcare provider or mental health therapist will ask about symptoms. This disorder can be diagnosed if urges and fantasies cause personal, social, family, work, or legal problems. This is true even if there has been no actual sexual contact with a child.

How is it treated?

Pedophilia may be treated with psychotherapy, such as:

• Cognitive-behavior therapy: The therapist helps you identify views you have of yourself, your relationships, the world, and the future. This therapy helps you recognize unhealthy ways of thinking and behaving. You learn ways to think and behave that lead to healthier choices.
• Dynamic psychotherapy: The therapist helps you connect current behaviors and past experiences. He or she can help you sort out your feelings. This helps you identify problems and changes you want to make.

Medicines such as female hormones or testosterone-lowering medicines may be used to reduce sex drive in men. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may reduce sex drive and lessen obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Mood stabilizers or antipsychotic medicines may also be helpful.

Even with treatment, this disorder is usually lifelong. However, both the fantasies and the behaviors often lessen with ongoing treatment and as you get older.

When should I seek help?

Most pedophiles start having fantasies long before they act on them. This is the best time to seek treatment. If you are not acting on your sexual urges, a therapist will keep the matter confidential unless a child is in danger. Seek help before you ruin your life or the lives of children.

If you suspect that someone you know is a pedophile, contact the police. Call your local child protective services office for more information.