psychiatric disorders
Pedophilic Disorder
Diagnosis of Pedophilic Disorder
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) criteria Extensive use of child pornography is a reliable marker of sexual attraction to children and may be the only indicator of the disorder. However, use of child pornography by itself does not meet criteria for pedophilic disorder, although it is typically illegal. If a patient denies sexual attraction to children but circumstances suggest otherwise, certain diagnostic tools (typically in the context of legal involvement) can help confirm such attraction. Tools include penile plethysmography (men), vaginal photoplethysmography (women), and viewing time of standardized erotic materials; however, possession of such material, even for diagnostic purposes, may be illegal in certain jurisdictions. , Fifth Edition, Text Revision [DSM-5-TR]) of pedophilic disorder follow ( Diagnosis reference ): Recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, urges, or behaviors involving a prepubescent child or children (usually≤13 years) have been present for≥6 months. The person has acted on the urges or is greatly distressed or impaired by the urges and fantasies. The experience of distress about these urges or behaviors is not a requirement for the diagnosis, as many with this condition deny any distress or impairment. The person is≥16 years and≥5 years older than the child who is the target of the fantasies or behaviors (but excluding an older adolescent who is in an ongoing relationship with a 12- or 13-year-old). The clinician must specify whether The patient has an exclusive attraction to prepubescent children (exclusive type) or attraction to both children and adults (nonexclusive type). The patient is sexually attracted to males, females, or both. The behaviors/urges/fantasies are limited to incest. Identifying a patient as a potential pedophile sometimes poses an ethical crisis for clinicians. However, clinicians have a responsibility to protect the community of children. Clinicians should know the reporting requirements in their state. If clinicians have reasonable suspicion of Overview of Child Maltreatment , the law requires that it be reported to authorities. Reporting requirements vary by state (see 1.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition,Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Association Publishing, Washington, DC. 