However, most researchers assume available estimates underrepresent the true number of female pedophiles. 6,7 On the basis of a range of published reports, McConaghy 8 estimates a 10 to 1 ratio of male-to-female child molesters. Male and female pedophiles Most sexual offenders against children are male, although female offenders may account for 0.4% to 4% of convicted sexual offenders. 5 Despite these difficulties, current research does reveal sufficiently consistent patterns to provide a basic overview of common psychological features associated with pedophilia. Second, not everyone who sexually molests a child is actually a pedophile that is, such a person may not have a persistent sexual attraction to prepubescent children. For one, convicted or arrested sex offenders might differ considerably from pedophilic individuals who have not acted on their urges or who have acted on them but have not been caught. There are 2 problems inherent with this research pool. Nonetheless, because of the potential legal risks of self-reporting pedophilic inclinations, the majority of pedophile research is conducted with participants who are identified by their behavior, most often via their contact with the criminal justice system.

3,4Īccording to DSM-IV, pedophilia can be diagnosed in the absence of any pedophilic behavior.

This correction reflects the ego-syntonic nature of many pedophiles’ sexual desires and/or behavior. The DSM-IV criterion that such urges must cause clinically significant distress or functional impairment was amended in DSM-IV-TR, such that recurrent pedophilic fantasies or arousal need not be experienced as distressing. 1,2ĭSM-IV and DSM-IV-TR define pedophilia as “recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving activity with a prepubescent child or children (generally 13 years or younger).” These feelings, urges, or behaviors must persist for at least 6 months. Moreover, a better understanding of people who are sexually attracted to children is critically important to protect against the severely destructive effects of childhood sexual abuse. This article provides a general overview of the current literature on the psychology and psychopathology of pedophilia so that clinicians who encounter pedophilic patients will be better prepared to make an assessment and decide on the appropriate course of treatment. Although patients with pedophilic tendencies are generally seen by specialists in sexual disorders, many other clinicians are likely to encounter such patients as well. Classified in DSM-IV and DSM-IV-TR as a paraphilia, pedophilia is characterized by persistent sexual attraction to prepubescent children.

Sexual Addiction Update, Aviel Goodman, MDīecause of recent scandals, pedophilia is one of the few psychiatric disorders widely known to the general public. Psychopathology and Personality Traits of Pedophiles, Lisa J. Segraves, MDįemale Sexual Dysfunction, Leonard R.

Sociopath vs pathological liar