Pedophilia

What is pedophilia?

Pedophilia is a sexual disorder. Pedophiles have sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors that involve children.

How does it occur?

People who were sexually abused as a child may be more likely to become a pedophile. However, not all pedophiles have a history of sexual abuse.

What are the symptoms?

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

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. However, pedophiles are sexually drawn to children. The symptoms of pedophilia are:

For at least 6 months, having intense 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 the child naked, expose themselves, or masturbate without touching the child. They may force sexual acts on the child.
The fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors cause pain, depression, anxiety, shame, embarrassment, or guilt. This may cause the pedophile to be more aggressive, or to perform poorly at work or school.
Pedophiles must be at least 16 years old, and at least 5 years older than the child.

How is it diagnosed?

A health care provider or mental health therapist will ask about symptoms. People who have the symptoms described above are diagnosed with pedophilia. They do not need to have actual sexual contact with a child. Pedophilia can be diagnosed, even without actual sexual contact if sexual urges and fantasies cause personal, social, family, work, or legal problems.

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 thought patterns and behaviors 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 unconscious feelings. This helps you identify problems and changes you want to make.

You may also be prescribed medicines. 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, pedophilia 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 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 and abusing children, report that person to local authorities. Call your local child protective services office for more information.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File BHV3348F.HTM Release 9.0/2006