Pedophilia: causes, risks, treatment

Definition

What is pedophilia?

Pedophilia is a sexual disorder in the form of sexual desire for adolescents or children under 14 years of age. People who have pedophilia are called pedophiles. A person can be considered a pedophile if they are at least 16 years old.

According to the mass media, pedophilia is better known as an act of child abuse. This definition is inaccurate and inaccurate in describing the patient's situation which causes difficulties in the study and data collection of the disease.

It is important to know that pedophilia is a disease, not a sin. Not all pedophiles abuse children, and certainly not all people who sexually abuse children are pedophiles.

How common is pedophilia?

Almost all pedophiles are men, but it is possible for women to suffer from pedophilia. Accurate data have not been collected because the majority of patients shut themselves off from society. Research on this disease is carried out on pedophiles who commit sexual violence, therefore the results are still uncertain.

Signs & symptoms

What are the symptoms of pedophilia and characteristics of a pedophile?

Pedophilia is usually detected by oneself after puberty, when a person's sexual orientation focuses on children, not adults. He is unable to determine their sexual orientation and then feels afraid of themselves. They also often experience social discrimination; it is difficult for them to be involved in the community and connect with other people. This made him attracted to children because they were classified as innocent and not as judgmental as adults.

Recently, scientists and society have a tendency to study psychological problems; some patients are more open to their disease for the sake of science. According to patients, symptoms of pedophilia include feelings of inferiority, isolation, and even depression; they are afraid that their sexual orientation will be discovered, so they isolate themselves from other people.

Patients consider their passions wrong and illegal to fulfill. Therefore they always control themselves and look for safe ways to satisfy themselves. Some cases of violence in children often involve other psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia and cognitive distortions. On the other hand, some criminal cases in children do not actually constitute pedophilia. Patients may develop other mental illnesses such as anxiety, severe depression, mood disorders, and excessive use of stimulants.

There may be symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you or your family members have the above signs and symptoms, see your doctor immediately. Always discuss with your doctor to refer you to the best diagnostic and treatment method for you.

Cause

What causes pedophilia?

The cause of pedophilia is still unclear because psychological illnesses have only recently been further studied. The difficulty in determining the exact cause is also based on differences in the characteristics and backgrounds of each person.

Many experts assume that the main cause comes from social psychological factors, not biological factors. Some doctors claim that the factor affecting the patient's personality is an abnormal family background. Being abused at an early age can also be the cause. However, the number of cases is not large, so it is not certain to cause pedophilia.

Since 2002, several studies on pedophilia from biological factors have been conducted. Several factors and theories in determining the causes of pedophilia, such as:

• Low IQ and short term memory
• Lack of white matter on the brain
• Lack of testosterone
• Brain problems

Problems with the brain are the most accepted cause among these factors. In normal people, seeing children make their brains spontaneously produce nerve waves to increase the instincts to protect and love; in pedophiles, these nerve waves are disrupted and result in increased sexual arousal.

Risk factors

Who is at risk of becoming a pedophile?

Since pedophilia is a congenital disease, the trigger factors have not been identified.

Drugs & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

Can pedophilia be cured?

Pedophilia is a chronic disease. Your treatment should focus on changing behavior over the long term. Treatment is in the form of observation and anticipation of criminal acts. A group of psychic doctors will be deployed to support the patients.

You will sometimes be advised to take medications to reduce libido such as medroxyprogesterone acetate, drugs that reduce testosterone and serotonin blockers. What's more, pedophiles need treatment for addiction to alcohol or stimulants.

Children who experience sexual violence must be protected from recurring incidents. Some children who experience abuse need to be taken to the hospital.

What are the usual tests to diagnose pedophilia?

The diagnosis of pedophilia is difficult because many of the patients show no emotion, even when seeing a doctor in person. Complete information about the patient is very important for diagnosis. Other information should also be collected from the family, possible victims, legal organizations, or the community. Even an experienced doctor may not be able to diagnose this disease in all cases.

MRI scans and some brain wave detectors can be used to observe brain activity. The recorded waves will show which image provoked the patient, allowing the diagnosis to be made.

Home remedies

What can be done to treat pedophilia?

The best way to find out if someone is a pedophile is to take them to consult a psychologist to find ways to prevent the patient from engaging in illegal acts and help him maintain a normal life. When you know or suspect someone with pedophilia, stay calm and find out if they could have committed a crime. Sufferers who are not severe and harmless can still get along with other people in society.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.