Diagnostic Criteria for Pedophilic Disorder DSM-5
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5, outlines diagnostic criteria that must be met in order for a diagnosis of pedophilic disorder to be made. The criteria are as follows:
- The individual experiences intense sexually arousing fantasies or urges involving sexual activity with prepubescent children, over a period of at least 6 months.
- The individual has acted on these sexual urges, or the urges have caused serious distress.
- He or she is at least 16 years of age and at least 5 years older than his or her victim.
Note: This does not pertain to individuals in late adolescence who are involved in ongoing sexual relationships with, say, 12 or 13-year-olds.
If the individual meets the criteria for pedophilic disorder, it should also be evaluated and specified if the disorder is:
- Exclusive type, whereas the individual is only attracted to children
- Nonexclusive type, whereas the individual is attracted to children in addition to mature individuals.
- Limited to incest
Hebephilia
Hebephilia is a sexual preference for children in early adolescence, between ages 11 and 14. The concept is distinct from pedophilia, which is marked by a sexual preference for prepubescent children, rather than those who have finished puberty and entered adolescence. Hebephilia became in DSM 5 pedohebephilia.
Ephebophilia
Ephebophilia refers to an attraction for older adolescents around 15 to 18 years old.
According to the latest research, pedophilia is inborn. That means, it is not necessarily inherited. There is a possibility that something happens during pregnancy.