Summary
The protocol describes pedophilic disorder as a persistent or recurrent sexual interest, fantasy, urge, or behavior directed toward prepubescent or early-pubertal children and associated with marked distress, impaired functioning, or acting on the urges. Its clinical criteria consider a duration of at least six months, an assessed person aged at least 16 years, and an age difference of at least five years between that person and the child. The document distinguishes exclusive from non-exclusive patterns of interest and emphasizes assessment of coexisting psychiatric disorders and psychoactive-substance use.
Diagnosis relies primarily on a confidential clinical interview, history, and assessment of the nature, persistence, and controllability of the urges, associated distress, any relevant behavior, and the risk of harm. Mental-state and physical examinations are performed, and possible neurological, systemic, medication-related, and substance-related factors are considered. No paraclinical test independently establishes the diagnosis. Laboratory and instrumental investigations listed in the protocol mainly support differential diagnosis and evaluation of treatment safety. Conditions in which similar manifestations may arise during a manic episode, delusional disorder, erotomania, or substance effects are specifically considered.
Treatment is presented as a comprehensive program in which individual psychotherapy is the central intervention. Its aims include recognizing and managing urges, strengthening self-regulation and social skills, reducing the risk of harm, and addressing coexisting anxiety or depressive symptoms. Pharmacotherapy is an adjunct: serotonergic antidepressants may be used to reduce compulsive features, while hormonal treatment is reserved for relevant indications and specialist supervision. The prevention and rehabilitation section addresses early access to professional care, child safeguarding, education about personal boundaries and safe behavior, a trusted family environment, digital safety, protection from sexual abuse, and awareness of available support and legal consequences.