Is Pedophilia a Mental Disorder?

[Donkey]

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), pedophilia is specified as a form of paraphilia in which a person either has acted on intense sexual urges towards children, or experiences recurrent sexual urges towards and fantasies about children that cause distress or interpersonal difficulty. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedophilia

Is pedophilia a mental disorder?

[Grey fox]

Yes is a mental disorder is classified as a deviation from sociably acceptable norm.

Otherwise i'm not sure...

[Donkey]

This is not a question, but rather a debate. Do you consider pedophilia a mental disorder?

I do in some aspects. However I think as a responsible adult they should seek help rather than molesting children.

[Grey fox]

If they don't see it as wrong at all, then maybe its just a lapse of judgement? or they need to be educated and shown WHY it is unacceptable.

If they know it's wrong but have no control and can't stop, then they need help, and it would have the basis to be a proper mental disorder.

I'm really not sure. My general understanding of what a mental disorder is, is not feeling in control over your mind, and doing things you normally wouldn't.

My uncle suffers from schizophrenia (WOW! I spelt it right first time!) and when he's having a bad bout, he completely changes, but against his will.

[Sapphire]

I believe it to be a mental disorder.
How people can say that the desire to hurt children in the way these people do isn't the result of a disorder is just beyond me.

[Whisper]

I don't care if it is or is not
The actions remain the same
They're monsters and should be dealt with as such

[The Batman]

I think that they are sick sick people who really need help. There are rehabilitated pedophiles so it's not like it's untreatable. So yes I do think it's a mental disorder.

[Whisper]

Rehabilitated? I call bullshit
they just hide it better
they "behave" for a time out of fear
but eventually they'll give in
and a small child will pay the price


NYBnm1xhM7I
Best movie ever
she's my hero

[The Batman]

I don't think that all pedophiles act out on it and I really don't like generalizing people like that anyway. I believe everyone deserves another chance and that people can change. A lot of mental disorders are treatable, so what makes this one different?

[Camazotz]

In my opinion, pedophilia could be considered a mental disorder. It isn't normal to be attracted to kids, but then again, it's a sexual preference. I don't care if they (pedos) keep thoughts in their minds, but if they ever touch a child, they deserve the punishment they get.

[liveyoungdiefast]

Pedophilia is a mental disorder, molesting children is still a choice though. There are a lot of pedophiles 'in the closet'.

[theOperaGhost]

Yes, I feel that it is correctly a mental disorder. Rehabilitation? I really don't know...I don't see it as any different than a psychopath or sociopath. How do you rehabilitate them? How do you rework a pedophiles brain to turn them away from children? It's in their brain and even if they know it's wrong, they can't control the impulse to act on it. It would probably be possible to increase a person impulse control, but that would mean drugs and/or brain surgery.

[INFERNO]

Abnormal behavior is a multi-faceted definition and pedophilia would fit under it. However, I don't think that all pedophiles go out and have their way with kids. I would consider it a disorder but I wouldn't automatically label all pedophiles as monsters as not all of them harm kids. The ones that do I would be more lenient on that label but for ones who get their fix without harming a child I wouldn't consider to be a monster although I would consider their mindset to be abnormal.

[Atonement]

The American Psychological Association listed homosexuality as a mental disorder too until the last thirty years. Now, I am in no way relating them, but to classify something as a disorder doesn't fix it's actions. PEdophilia is absolutely wrong. I know that, but if sexaul attaction (which is what pedophilia and homosexuality is) is a mental disorder, that makes homosexuality a mental disorder too, which, I assume, is something that peiople here will feel strongly against. To call pedophilia a mental disorder is to call homosexuality is a mental disorder since they are the same class of sexual attraction.

[INFERNO]

The American Psychological Association listed homosexuality as a mental disorder too until the last thirty years. Now, I am in no way relating them, but to classify something as a disorder doesn't fix it's actions. PEdophilia is absolutely wrong. I know that, but if sexaul attaction (which is what pedophilia and homosexuality is) is a mental disorder, that makes homosexuality a mental disorder too, which, I assume, is something that peiople here will feel strongly against. To call pedophilia a mental disorder is to call homosexuality is a mental disorder since they are the same class of sexual attraction.

Not exactly. The definition of abnormal behavior includes deviation from the norm. Homosexuality does not deviate from the norm as numerous individuals and other animals practice it. Pedophilia on the other hand is not something quite so common.

So although both are sexual attractions, the amount who have them differs and that amount is what can be used to classify it as a disorder.

[peaceloverugby]

I do think that pedophilia is a mental disorder, but if they harm a child they should be punished. Same thing as if a schizophrenic person kills someone because a voice tells them to.

[INFERNO]

I do think that pedophilia is a mental disorder, but if they harm a child they should be punished. Same thing as if a schizophrenic person kills someone because a voice tells them to.

Those two examples are different because a pedophiliac is well aware of what they're doing whereas a schizophrenic isn't very sane at the time. The schizophrenic cannot properly nor easily determine true reality from the hallucinations. So although both should be punished, the punishments shouldn't be equal.

[peaceloverugby]

Those two examples are different because a pedophiliac is well aware of what they're doing whereas a schizophrenic isn't very sane at the time. The schizophrenic cannot properly nor easily determine true reality from the hallucinations. So although both should be punished, the punishments shouldn't be equal.

Agreed, I don't think the punishment should be equal. Maybe equal in length, but not the same type of punishment.

[Hyper]

Hmm I fear I'm not smart enough to explain what I think clearly..

But I would say it is. It is a paraphilia, certainly, but every paraphilia has a little basis under it which has not been influenced by sexual experience.

Also the fact that hurting the young &/or having sex with them knowing that they are incapable of reproduction in a way goes against nature..

[Sapphire]

How can people say "Pedophilia is a sexual preference"?
Normal sexual preferences do not involve taking advantage of someone more innocent/naive than you.

[Bougainvillea]

Mmkay.
I say, if you have sexual thoughts and make advances toward innocent children, there's something fuckin' wrong with you.

[Modus Operandi]

I think it is probably a disorder of some type. The normal human tendency(for adults)is to be attracted to members of the opposite sex who are sexually mature. I am not saying homosexuality is a disorder, for the record.

The problem with rehab for this problem is that it is rather easy to fake. All you would have to do if you weren't cured is lie about it and say that you are.

If they lay a hand on a kid though, they deserve thier punishment. They are sane people. Unlike people who suffer from true mental insanity, they can and should be held responsible for thier actions.

[theOperaGhost]

How can people say "Pedophilia is a sexual preference"?
Normal sexual preferences do not involve taking advantage of someone more innocent/naive than you.

Although I do agree with you, I feel that pedophilia could be considered a sexual preference. It's kind of like a fetish. Fetishes are abnormal sexual preferences. I really think pedophilia is a mental disorder though.

[Whisper]

I don't think that all pedophiles act out on it and I really don't like generalizing people like that anyway. I believe everyone deserves another chance and that people can change. A lot of mental disorders are treatable, so what makes this one different?

In terms of generalizing in certain circumstances I'm perfectly okay with it
this
is one of them

Allot of mental disorders don't cause severe life altering trauma to another innocent
When were talking about protecting toddlers and small children
There are no excuses

and unless you've lived it
you will never understand

[Sapphire]

Although I do agree with you, I feel that pedophilia could be considered a sexual preference. It's kind of like a fetish. Fetishes are abnormal sexual preferences. I really think pedophilia is a mental disorder though.
Sexual fetishes are different from sexual preferences. Heterosexuality is a perfect example of a sexual preference. A fetish exists independently of the preference and is for an object, body part or clothing.

Pedophilia is neither a sexual preference nor a sexual fetish.

It is, IMO, a disorder. A disorder which causes untold amounts of harm to the child(ren) that are involved.

[Antares]

Yes. I think it is a Psychiatric disorder and the people that are convicted really need counseling rather than all that jail time.

Everyone has complex lives and do things for a reason.

Just like everyone says that MJ did the things he did because he had no childhood, etc.

They need people to help them work that and I am sure that the rate of repeat offenders will go down.

[Hyper]

Although I do agree with you, I feel that pedophilia could be considered a sexual preference. It's kind of like a fetish. Fetishes are abnormal sexual preferences. I really think pedophilia is a mental disorder though.

A fetish is not a sexual preference

Its a sexual attraction towards an object or bodypart as in a non living object

Not to be a smart ass but using the word wrong really works bad for you in threads like this..

I just quoted you since you kind of misused this

[Sapphire]

Yes. I think it is a Psychiatric disorder and the people that are convicted really need counseling rather than all that jail time.You can't be serious...

[theOperaGhost]

A fetish is not a sexual preference

Its a sexual attraction towards an object or bodypart as in a non living object

Not to be a smart ass but using the word wrong really works bad for you in threads like this..

I just quoted you since you kind of misused this

Ok...this is how I was looking at it. Fetish was the wrong word to use, but I'm going to say how I see it like a fetish...a very, very wrong fetish.

When a guy is turned on by a woman dressed like a schoolgirl or a nurse or anything like that, isn't that considered a fetish? So wouldn't it be similar if a man or woman is turned on by a child? I do understand that fetish was the wrong word to use, but I'm just trying to argue my point, which may or may not be valid.

[Hyper]

Ok...this is how I was looking at it. Fetish was the wrong word to use, but I'm going to say how I see it like a fetish...a very, very wrong fetish.

When a guy is turned on by a woman dressed like a schoolgirl or a nurse or anything like that, isn't that considered a fetish? So wouldn't it be similar if a man or woman is turned on by a child? I do understand that fetish was the wrong word to use, but I'm just trying to argue my point, which may or may not be valid.

If you mean the man is turned on by the childish physical features then yes.

[Sapphire]

Ok...this is how I was looking at it. Fetish was the wrong word to use, but I'm going to say how I see it like a fetish...a very, very wrong fetish.

When a guy is turned on by a woman dressed like a schoolgirl or a nurse or anything like that, isn't that considered a fetish? So wouldn't it be similar if a man or woman is turned on by a child? I do understand that fetish was the wrong word to use, but I'm just trying to argue my point, which may or may not be valid.
The schoolgirl uniform is a fetish. You are right there.
Being turned on by a child, however, is very different. But the pedophile isn't primarily attracted to the child's clothing or a particular body part (e.g. feet). And the child is most certainly not an object. A pedophiles attraction to children lies in the very fact that they are young children. This all completely rules out the possibility of pedophilia being a fetish.

[Antares]

You can't be serious...

Yep, I am serious.

People have a psychiatric problem and instead of getting like 20 years in jail they should spend a considerable amount of that time in counseling to figure out what went wrong and what charges aren't firing correctly.

[Sapphire]

Yep, I am serious.

People have a psychiatric problem and instead of getting like 20 years in jail they should spend a considerable amount of that time in counseling to figure out what went wrong and what charges aren't firing correctly.
Do you mean detention in a secure mental hospital?
Because (a) they get intensive therapy, not counselling and (b) it is comparable to jail time due to the legal detainment outlined by the courts.

[theOperaGhost]

If you mean the man is turned on by the childish physical features then yes.

That is exactly what I mean.

[Sapphire]

That is exactly what I mean.
Pedophiles, by the very definition, are not attracted to adults. It is the fact that the child is...a child that attracts them. A few child-like physical features would not be enough to turn a pedophile towards an adult.

[theOperaGhost]

Pedophiles, by the very definition, are not attracted to adults. It is the fact that the child is...a child that attracts them. A few child-like physical features would not be enough to turn a pedophile towards an adult.

I wouldn't know that. Pedophilia is not exactly a topic I know much about. I actually thought childish features would turn a pedophile on to an adult. For example, there is a 22 year old that I know who looks like he is 12. You're saying that a pedophile would not be turned on to him? I guess I'm more so talking about ephebophilia, not pedophilia though. My posts would probably fit a thread about an ephebophile more than this thread.

[Sapphire]

I wouldn't know that. Pedophilia is not exactly a topic I know much about. I actually thought childish features would turn a pedophile on to an adult. For example, there is a 22 year old that I know who looks like he is 12. You're saying that a pedophile would not be turned on to him? I guess I'm more so talking about ephebophilia, not pedophilia though. My posts would probably fit a thread about an ephebophile more than this thread.
But that 22 year old would be an adult in every other way. Pedophiles are attracted to everything about children and also feel more comfortable in their company than that of adults.

[theOperaGhost]

But that 22 year old would be an adult in every other way. Pedophiles are attracted to everything about children and also feel more comfortable in their company than that of adults.

Which means I have a complete misunderstanding of what pedophilia even is. And like I said, the person who would be attracted to a 12 year old is really an ephebophile any way...although 12 might be a little too young. Ephebophiles are attracted to people who are in puberty.

[Antares]

Do you mean detention in a secure mental hospital?
Because (a) they get intensive therapy, not counselling and (b) it is comparable to jail time due to the legal detainment outlined by the courts.

No, what I mean is that in addition to sitting in jail like they do now, I think that they need to be directed to seek psychiatric counseling. At the present, it seems like they go to jail and then are released to a life of misery. Can't find jobs, status is announced to everyone, etc.

[Sapphire]

No, what I mean is that in addition to sitting in jail like they do now, I think that they need to be directed to seek psychiatric counseling. At the present, it seems like they go to jail and then are released to a life of misery. Can't find jobs, status is announced to everyone, etc.
It's no less than they deserve tbh.
And I think you'll find that counselling as the sole or primary treatment for pedophilia is rarely effective. Medical treatment of pedophiles is, IMO, the best sole treatment method out there.

[Antares]

It's no less than they deserve tbh.
And I think you'll find that counselling as the sole or primary treatment for pedophilia is rarely effective. Medical treatment of pedophiles is, IMO, the best sole treatment method out there.

Medical treatment how??

Brain surgery?
What are you talking about

[Sapphire]

Medical treatment how??

Brain surgery?
What are you talking about
I mean medications to reduce the likelihood of them re-offending.

[Antares]

Okay, so I just read that they actually have medications to "treat" pedophilia.
Thats completely new to me. Now I am not sure how effective they are but I read that in essence they are basically hormonal and lower the persons sex drive.

Now like I said I don't know how effective they are but I think if an offender sat down with a psychiatrist and talked and tried to figure out the problem and then solve it or whatever a psychiatrist does, then that may work better than sitting in jail adn then going out to reoffend because your brain is telling you to ignore the social taboos that pedophilia is and also probably more effective than the sex drive treatment meds that they are on. I think its kinda funny that its classified as a medical disorder too :P

you dont think of it that way so much, in that light. i think we usually think, creepy old guys who need to find lives, instead of real people that have mental issues

[Sapphire]

Okay, so I just read that they actually have medications to "treat" pedophilia.
Thats completely new to me. Now I am not sure how effective they are but I read that in essence they are basically hormonal and lower the persons sex drive.

Now like I said I don't know how effective they are but I think if an offender sat down with a psychiatrist and talked and tried to figure out the problem and then solve it or whatever a psychiatrist does, then that may work better than sitting in jail adn then going out to reoffend because your brain is telling you to ignore the social taboos that pedophilia is and also probably more effective than the sex drive treatment meds that they are on. I think its kinda funny that its classified as a medical disorder too :P

you dont think of it that way so much, in that light. i think we usually think, creepy old guys who need to find lives, instead of real people that have mental issues
Treatment is not the only thing they need. As far as I'm aware, treatments are not always effective and even if they are, these people never stop being a danger to children. They are sick people who should not be able to walk the streets freely and who should be kept well away from children.

[Antares]

Well the US does a good job at keeping them at bay I guess.

When you come out of jail your life is basically screwed.

Can't get jobs, you cant live near schools etc, youre added to this register where people can track you down, you have to announce to your neighborhood your arrival

All types of rules and regulations that you must follow otherwise its back to the slammer.
it must really suck. especially the more social repercussions.

[Sapphire]

Well the US does a good job at keeping them at bay I guess.

When you come out of jail your life is basically screwed.

Can't get jobs, you cant live near schools etc, youre added to this register where people can track you down, you have to announce to your neighborhood your arrival

All types of rules and regulations that you must follow otherwise its back to the slammer.
it must really suck. especially the more social repercussions.
:hmm: You actually sound sympathetic towards them...

[theOperaGhost]

:hmm: You actually sound sympathetic towards them...

That's what it sounds like to me too...I don't know how anyone could by sympathetic towards them though. I think they should be put to death myself, but I'm pro-capital punishment. I'm sure most people would disagree with me on that.

[Atonement]

:hmm: You actually sound sympathetic towards them...

I understand his view point though. There are people that are wrongfully accused, like in every situation, people can mess up and get someone in trouble for something they didn't do. Upon which, being a registered pedophile would be hell. Especially if you were innocent.

[theOperaGhost]

The only sex offender I am sympathetic for are the people who got charged for statutory rape when they were 18 for having sex with their 15 year old girl/boy friend. I don't really think they should have to be labeled as a sex offender.

[Bougainvillea]

Medical treatment how??

Brain surgery?
What are you talking about

Castration...?

[Sapphire]

I understand his view point though. There are people that are wrongfully accused, like in every situation, people can mess up and get someone in trouble for something they didn't do. Upon which, being a registered pedophile would be hell. Especially if you were innocent.
I sympathise with anyone who is convicted of a crime while being genuinely innocent.

However, feeling sympathetic towards pedophiles is a waste of time and effort. You can feel sorry for them and try to push them in the right direction but it won't achieve anything. They will remain the same and still be a danger to children.

[Antares]

Well I am not some heartless bastard who has no feelings for anything or anyone.
I actually do have sympathy for everyone.

The reason I say this in this case is because people who are pedophiles have a mental disorder (as we have already come to the conclusion of).

When you have a mental disorder you can't really control what you do, how your brain works, etc.

So if I had Schizo. and my brain told me to go have sex with someone that 13, would I still be some sick person or would you have the decency to understand my point of view, that being I have very conflicting thoughts, and a part of my brain took over that I couldn't control properly.

Now I am not by any means saying pedophiles are okay and they don't deserve time, but I understand that they are people who have mental issues who screwed up.

[theOperaGhost]

That isn't actually how it works, John. They could produce an insanity defense. There is a test for this instance called the irresistible impulse test. Here are the elements:

1. At the time of the crime was the defendant afflicted with "a disease of the mind"?
2. If so, did the defendant know right from wrong with respect to the act charged? If not, the law excuses the defendant.
3. If the defendant did have such knowledge, the law will still excuse the defendant if two conditions concur:
a. If the mental disease caused the defendant to so far lose the power to choose between right and wrong and to avoid doing the alleged act that the disease destroyed the defendant's free will, and
b. if the mental disease was the sold cause of the act.

However, this brings up a certain issue. Why don't pedophiles ever get by with this defense? They have an irresistible impulse and pedophilia is considered a mental illness or defect. According to this defense, all pedophiles would be acquitted because of a mental illness or defect. I think this defense is bogus for pedophiles. It works some of the time for schizophrenics, however, they usually don't have intent, which means there is no crime (there is a trial to determine if there was intent to commit or not, but you get the point). Pedophiles HAVE intent. They know it is wrong. I don't feel they have diminished capacity. We don't need pedophiles getting off scott free by using a twinkie defense.

I say lock them up forever (or kill them).

[Sapphire]

That isn't actually how it works, John. They could produce an insanity defense. There is a test for this instance called the irresistible impulse test. Here are the elements:

1. At the time of the crime was the defendant afflicted with "a disease of the mind"?
2. If so, did the defendant know right from wrong with respect to the act charged? If not, the law excuses the defendant.
3. If the defendant did have such knowledge, the law will still excuse the defendant if two conditions concur:
a. If the mental disease caused the defendant to so far lose the power to choose between right and wrong and to avoid doing the alleged act that the disease destroyed the defendant's free will, and
b. if the mental disease was the sold cause of the act.As you go on to say and as I'm going to outline, they know the difference between right and wrong (even if they won't admit as much) and still have their free will in tact. So, maybe this defense doesn't apply to them because of that?

Pedophiles HAVE intent. They know it is wrong. I don't feel they have diminished capacity. We don't need pedophiles getting off scott free by using a twinkie defense.

I say lock them up forever (or kill them).
QFT.

Mars, they know full well that it's wrong.
Why else would they tell the child that they are to be their "secret friend"? Why else would they sometimes threaten the child to ensure that no one finds out?

It isn't uncontrollable either. Some choose to act on their desires and others choose not to. If it were uncontrollable then they would all act on it.

These people make excuses for their lack of interest/comfort in healthy adult relationships. They avoid attempting to address their inadequacies.
They are not worthy of our pity. They are not worthy of our energy.

The only thing they deserve is to be locked up and have the key thrown away!

[Antares]

Jared, I am not saying that they don't deserve to be jailed, I am saying that
A. They have a mental disorder and should be treated as such.
B. They need to undergo psychiatric counseling or whatever you want to call it
C. Have a heart and not want to kill every single person that commits a crime (esp. if they have a mental issue and things aren't working right up there)

I think that sums it up...tbh, I don't feel like rambling on and on as I have done in the past couple posts here

[nachtspiegel]

and unless you've lived it
you will never understand

QFT.

[INFERNO]

Treatment is not the only thing they need. As far as I'm aware, treatments are not always effective and even if they are, these people never stop being a danger to children. They are sick people who should not be able to walk the streets freely and who should be kept well away from children.

Why bother to give treatments if all you wish to do is keep them locked up somewhere?

I find the argument of them being a danger to children to be somewhat moot because numerous psychiatric disorders could be said to lead to a danger to children. DID, schizophrenia, sociopathy/psychopathy/DPD/ASPD, schizoid personality disorder, substance abuse, etc... . Hell, even people with no psychiatric disorder may be a danger to children. If we're to take the view of "NOO, you're a threat to a child, lock you up", then we'd have most of the population locked up, including those who aren't pedophiles.

But the other problem I see is you're assuming that every single pedophile is a danger to children. I don't view all of them as this unless there is evidence that the pedophile in question indeed is a danger.

As someone mentioned before, pedophilia can be considered to be a sexual preference. This I agree with, although I also agree that they MAY be a danger to children and so forth. Unless the pedophile is shown to be a danger to children either by acting on their impulses or by trying to act, then the "non-dangerous" pedophiles shouldn't be lumped together with the "dangerous" pedophiles.

The views you're giving of lock them up and toss away the key is a step backwards in civilization. If the person committed a crime then certainly, have them face the punishment. But if the person also has a certain disorder and if there is a possible treatment, then why not give them the treatment and allow them some freedom? It's self-defeating to give them the treatment yet keep them locked up far away from everyone.