Tag: DSM

Pedophilia Is NOT a Sexual Orientation I came across a Facebook post on September 5, 2020 that I knew would become controversial, and as a Clinical Sexologist, I must respond to the public with my contrary report. The post’s header was: ‘Scholars Say Pedophilia Is Now A Sexual Orientation That Should Be Accepted by Members of Society’. Pedophilia is a paraphilia and paraphilia used to be called a sexual deviation or perversion, so I will strongly refute this theory immediately! I’m wondering who was desperate enough for recognition in this field that they were compelled to defy all established, clinical research with such a ridiculous claim. The clinical fact is: Pedophilia is listed as one of the paraphilic disorders. There are other paraphilic disorders in DSM-5, such as necrophilia, zoophilia and bestiality. If acted upon, these are criminal acts. However, the etiology of paraphilias is unknown. A paraphilia is thought of as ‘a learned behavior’. This behavior occurs primarily in males between 6-12 years old, yet some clinicians believe it occurs more in the 5-7 year range. A pedophile is defined as having an interest in children under 13 years of age. Paraphilias are a lifelong condition. So let’s correct… Continue reading