Health Topics for Mental and Emotional Health

Department of Psychiatry

Pedophilia

Pedophilia is a sexual disorder that involves children and is illegal in the United States. A pedophile is a person who has sexual desires for a child. Pedophiles have sexual fantasies, sexual urges, or sexual behaviors involving children. Most pedophiles begin having fantasies long before they actually act on them. This is the best time for pedophiles to seek treatment.

Most pedophiles have a particular gender and age group that they are attracted to. Pedophiles who are attracted to girls, often prefer girls ages 8 to 10. Most pedophiles attracted to boys prefer boys over age 10. While all pedophiles are difficult to treat, pedophiles who are attracted to boys are the most difficult to treat.

Some sexual abusers are actually people with antisocial personality disorder, sexual sadism, or other conditions who will force themselves sexually on anyone weaker. While their abuse may involve children of any age or gender as well as adults, their primary diagnosis may not be pedophilia.

Many pedophiles believe or pretend, even to themselves, that they are not doing anything wrong because they are "educating" the child or the child "wants to." These clearly are only excuses. Most pedophiles are not physically forceful with children and focus their attention on children who go along with their requests. Many will look at the child naked, expose themselves, or masturbate without touching the child. Some will force sexual acts on the child. No matter what the abuse, it is traumatic for a child, and has long-term psychological effects.

It is not true that anyone who was sexually abused will grow up to become a sexual abuser or a pedophile. However, such a person may be more likely to do so. Someone who is having sexual fantasies about children should seek treatment before taking the risk of ruining their life or the lives of children. If a person is not acting on the sexual urges, a mental health professional will keep the matter confidential unless he or she feels that a particular child is likely to be in danger.

If you suspect that someone you know is a pedophile, it is your responsibility to report that person to local child abuse authorities. Call your local child protective service office for more information.

Last Reviewed 2005

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.

HIL File MENT3162.rf2 VRS# 6751 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.