mental health disorders
Pedophilic Disorder
Treatment of Pedophilic Disorder
Individual and/or group psychotherapy Treatment of other disorders Medications Pedophilia can be treated with long-term individual or group psychotherapy and medications that reducetestosteronelevels and thus reduce the sex drive. These medications includeleuprolideandmedroxyprogesteroneacetate. People must give their informed consent to the use of these medications, and doctors periodically do blood tests to monitor the medication’s effects on liver function, as well as other tests (including bone density tests and blood tests to measuretestosteronelevels). Results of treatment vary. Outcome is best when participation is voluntary and the person receives training in social skills and treatment of other problems, such as drug misuse or depression. Treatment that is sought only after criminal apprehension and legal action may be less effective. Simply putting pedophiles in prison or another institution, even for a long time, does not change pedophilic desires or fantasies. However, some imprisoned pedophiles who are committed to long-term, monitored treatment (usually including medications) can refrain from pedophilic activity and be reintegrated into society. 