Is ped0phi|ia (not to be confused with child or adolescent molestation) incurable?  unmanageable?  Why is it not a mental illness?
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Sir, I can speak from personal experience on this subject. I am a pedophile. Pedophilia is incurable, but it can be managed. Management is entirely dependant on the pedophiles personal conviction to not offend or reoffend. In my case I abused many times before I was caught commiting an offense. I was on probation and in psychothearpy from August 1992 until August 1999. I am not proud of what I did but I am proud to say that the last time I offended was in late 1991. I continue to this day to use many of the tools I was taught in my thearpy. I avoid being left alone with children, I don't go to places where there are large numbers of unattended children (ie; arcades, movie theaters, playgrounds, etc). When I see a child that is attractive to me I leave. When I think of a child in an inappropriate way I try to distract myself by becomming active in some other thought process. These are only a very few examples of how to avoid, control and escape potentially dangerous situations. It takes a great deal of practice to make it so it is almost second nature.\n \nThe thoughts I do have of children will likely continue for the remainder of my life. That is a given, by the treatment providers. The thoughts are not the problem though, it is what you do with them that matters. Fortunatly, I have been able to keep them under control, and pray that I will continue to do so.\n\nI expect that I will recieve some negitive feedback after posting this. I hope that those that hate me for what I have done in my past will consider that I have made sincere efforts to change my life. I cannot undo the past. I can only control my actions for the future.\n\nAs far as pedophilia being a mental disease it is. Please click the link below and read all three pages on this subject. The second page deals specifically wit the fact that it is a disease.\n\n Hope this all helps
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The term "ADHD" is simply a label used to categorise a list of psychosocial traits that Psychiatry considers to be improper or abnormal in society. Psychiatry defines these traits as a "mental illness", and promotes it as a "disease" that requires "treatment".\n\nIt is not a "disease", despite claims or implications made by certain psychiatric or pharmaceutical organisations. There is NO credible scientific evidence that shows the existence of what constitutes "ADHD" as a biological/neurological disorder, brain abnormality or "chemical imbalance".\n\n"For a disease to exist there must be a tangible, objective physical abnormality that can be determined by a test such as, but not limited to, blood or urine test, X-Ray, brain scan or biopsy. All reputable doctors would agree: No physical abnormality, no disease. In psychiatry, no test or brain scan exists to prove that a 'mental disorder' is a physical disease. Disingenuous comparisons between physical and mental illness and medicine are simply part of psychiatry's orchestrated but fraudulent public relations and marketing campaign." Fred Baughman, MD., Neurologist & Pediatric Neurologist.\n\n"Chemical imbalance…it’s a shorthand term really, it’s probably drug industry derived… We don’t have tests because to do it, you’d probably have to take a chunk of brain out of someone - not a good idea." Dr. Mark Graff, Chair of the Committee of Public Affairs for the American Psychiatric Association. July, 2005.\n\nSuch behavioural characteristics that Psychiatry created this unscientific "disease" from are, and always have been, generally considered "normal". Now, it seems, inattention or "hyperactivity" (Hyperactivity means 'excessively active'* -- what is excessive? On whose authority?? It's ridiculous!!) is abnormal, a "mental illness".\n\nFor a rundown of the exact diagnostic criteria of "attention deficit disorder" visit: http://groups.msn.com/psychbusters/diagnosticcriteria.msnw\n\nFor information on the junkscience behind psychiatric "testing" for "ADHD" visit: http://adhdtesting.org/\n\nFor a list of what inattention COULD be attributed to (rather than some fraudulent "mental illness") visit: http://adhdparentssupportgroup.homestead.com/50conditionsmimicingADHD.html\n\nFor more information, see;\n\nhttp://groups.msn.com/psychbusters/addadhd.msnw\nhttp://groups.msn.com/psychbusters/adhdfacts.msnw\nhttp://www.adhdfraud.org/\nhttp://www.ritalindeath.com/\nhttp://cchr.org/files/7515/child_drug_EN.pdf\nhttp://www.ablechild.org/\n\n"We are not "overdrugging" or misdiagnosing" ADHD. ADHD is a total, 100 percent fraud. The many millions of schoolchildren around the world who are being drugged have no disease." Fred Baughman, Jr., M.D. Child Neurologist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.\n\n"Parents are seldom told that Ritalin is ‘speed’—that it is pharmacologically classified with amphetamines, has the same effects, side effects, and risks. Yet this is well-known in the profession...." Dr. Peter R. Breggin & Ginger Ross Breggin, The War Against Children, P. 84.\n\n"...But because ADD is so vaguely defined, even for a psychiatric disorder, it is tailor-made for bogus claims. There are, as the American Psychiatric Association’s latest diagnostic manual concedes, "no laboratory tests that have been established as diagnostic" for "Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder." Richard E. Vatz, Professor, Towson State University, "Attention Deficit Delirium," The Wall Street Journal, July 27, 1994\n\n"The diagnosis of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is entirely subjective… There is no test. It is just down to interpretation… The lines between an ADD sufferer and a healthy exuberant kid can b
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What organization that deals with children has not had a "sex scandal". The question you need to ask is: did the organization do anything about it? Is abuse incultured in the organization? Predators have used many child centered organizations, they infiltrate and trick the good people. Look again! Check your sources!!
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There is no test that detects pedophilia per say.  Also, the majority of child molestors aren't pedophiles.  Moreover, pedophilia is not a crime, molesting or raping a child is a crime.  Having pedophilia may make a person more likely to commit such a crime but does not guarantee that they in fact will.
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Fortunately, I've never dealt with someone actively molesting a child in a religious organization/setting.  On the other hand, as a youth leader of an organization for teens, I actively watched and made decisions to help identify and protect the young people entrusted to me by their parents.  It's always best to try to avoid getting into the situations before they happen rather than dealing with the consequences afterwards.
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I was molested by my brother when I was 13 and while I would like to say yes, I can't. I've forgiven my brother since then, but my forgiving him doesn't mean that I've suddenly forgot about the entire incident or that I approve of what happened. I think this is not the corse to take. I do think that harsher penalties should be in place though. There was one case that I was watching on Court TV and this guy raped a minor and only got 6 months for it. That's a slap on the wrist. I don't this would be grounds for you to use the word murder though. These child molesters in a sense have murdered their victims, because I and many others will never be the same. I use the word murder because that is exactly what it seems like because they kill your soul and any hope you had for the future.
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I want to know who are any of you to judge this person. I bet if we followed you'd have some issues also. The first person who posted is right. And just so you know smartass a baby is not automatically born with HIV if the mother has it.
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I work in Social Work and see cases of child molestors who were in fact molested themselves as children.  \n\nWhilst I condem what they do and hate it with a vengence, the person carrying out the molestation needs help every bit as much as the person being molested.  \n\nFrom what I understand of this matter, the person molesting does know it is wrong but seem to want to hurt others as they have been hurt!  It seems to give them back some kind of 'power' or 'control' that was robbed of themselves when they were children when they become the perpetrators back. \n\nI really think these people need a lot of help to give them back their self-worth and dignity or else they may continue to do what they do.
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this sounds all too familiar to me. you just described my brother.\nusually, when young there is no sign of (or little sign of) mental illness. typically, there is some sort of stresser that will make it come out (with avengance, i'm sure you would agree).\nhonestly, i don't know what to say except love him for being your brother and realize that this will never pass and it will get worse. i'm sorry to be so blunt with you.\nfinding others in the same boat helped my brother a great deal, but we also happen to be in an area with lots of m.r. and m.h. help and services.\nGOD BE WITH YOU (i'm not a religous freak - just spiritual)
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Original Article:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/compulsive-sexual-behavior/DS00144\nCompulsive sexual behavior\nIntroduction\n\nSexual expression is a natural part of a well-rounded life. But if you have an overwhelming need for sex and are so intensely preoccupied with this need that it interferes with your job and your relationships, you may have a problem called compulsive sexual behavior.\n\nYou may spend inordinate amounts of time in sexually related activities and neglect important aspects of your day-to-day life in social, occupational and recreational areas. You may find yourself failing repeatedly at attempts to reduce or control your sexual activities or desires.\n\nHealth experts use a number of labels for this potentially serious condition. Compulsive sexual behavior is sometimes called hypersexuality, nymphomania or erotomania. Others use the term "sexual addiction," comparing it with the uncontrolled use of a drug. Others argue that it's an issue of impulse control or obsessive-compulsive behavior.\n\nNo matter what name is attached to the behavior, compulsive sexual behavior is a very real affliction that interferes with everyday living. Current research indicates that compulsive sexual behavior is most common among men. Treatment may involve individual or group therapy and medications.\nSigns and symptoms\n\nSexual behavior becomes a problem and is considered compulsive when it's repeated often enough to interfere with your normal daily living and with your relationships. If your sexual behavior is compulsive, you may display it in a number of ways, including:\n\n    * Having multiple sexual partners or extramarital affairs\n    * Having sex with a succession of anonymous partners or prostitutes and treating them as objects to be used for sex\n    * Using commercial sexually explicit phone lines and Internet chat rooms\n    * Engaging in excessive masturbation\n    * Using pornographic materials frequently\n    * Engaging in masochistic or sadistic sex, such as experiencing sexual excitement by inflicting or receiving pain during sex\n    * Exposing yourself in public\n    * Often feeling compelled to engage in sexual activity when you're stressed, anxious or depressed\n\nPeople who are sexually obsessed can be married and appear to live otherwise normal lives, though they may have difficulty establishing and maintaining emotional intimacy.\n\nSexually obsessive behavior tends to be chronic, intense and beyond your control. Although you may seek gratification through sexually compulsive behavior, you're unlikely to achieve fulfillment over the long term. In fact, you may feel that your life is becoming increasingly empty. People with compulsive sexual behavior often use sex as an escape from other problems, such as loneliness, depression, anxiety or stress.\nCauses\n\nMany experts believe that other psychological disorders underlie sexual obsessions and compulsions. Compulsive sexual behavior may be a maladaptive coping mechanism for other emotional problems, including mood and personality disorders.\n\nFor example, if you grew up in a dysfunctional family or were sexually, emotionally or physically abused as a child, you may have developed an unhealthy attitude toward sex. These early traumatic experiences may lead you to feel shameful and unworthy; these emotions can inhibit normal sexual expression and intimacy and can result in extremes in sexual activity. Many people who engage in compulsive sexual activity report a past history of sexual or physical abuse.\n\nIf you're feeling lonely and depressed, you may perceive your sexual compulsions as a way of filling the voids in your life. But even if compulsive sexual behavior brings you short-term relief, your negative feelings are likely to return, often at an intensified level.\n\nIn some cases, the cause of compulsive sexual behavior can be a neurological disorder, such as epilepsy or dementia.\nWhen to seek medical advice\n\n
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To date we don't have 'thought police' who can read your innermost thoughts, so how would we possibly know how many have thought about it?\n\nParticipants, I would suspect very few, probably equal to the number of children who were abused at an early age.\n\nThe closest I've seen to a definitive answer is this:\n\nCertainly, there are people who engage in D&S and S/M activities for whom it is a problem or the expression of a problem--but so also there are people who cannot engage in anything but ordinary penis-vagina intercourse for whom [sex] is a problem or the expression of a problem. If someone is really the sort of person who is likely to become a serial killer, he probably won't be talking about it and he probably won't be in so relatively conscious a relationship as S&M. He'll much more likely be repressed or out there doing mayhem.
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Wow.  Most of the responses posted are not very fair.  The people who responded assume that pedophiles are child molesters.  Some studies have concluded that at least a quarter of all adult men may have some feelings of sexual arousal in connection with children.  This does not necessarily mean that they will act on those feelings.  In fact, some experts state that most child abusers are NOT pedophiles. Often, they are adults who are primarily attracted to other adults but who, for a variety of reasons, have used children to fulfill their needs.\n\nI say you should continue be his friend.  Even if he says that he is a pedophile or a potential pedophile, does not mean that he will act on those feelings.  You stated that he "Never did anything that you know of".  As a friend, you can encourage him to keep it that way.
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Just to play the devil's advocate...doesn't it depend on the circumstances?  What if the abuser was 15 years old and it was a one time thing?  Are we really going to say that this person will always be attacted to children and never change?  Are we really going to just throw our hands up in the air and tell that person there is no hope and - as one person put it - he should be shot on the spot?  I think the people that cannot be rehabilitated are the most serious offenders, those are the ones to be concerned about.  My experience in psychology tells me that people can change.  Not everyone, of course, but some can.  It's ignorant to think that all sex offenders are exactly the same.
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I'm a bigger proponent of mandatory chemical castration.  Sex offenders are generally people with a mental defect (which is driven my a hormonal imbalance) that causes them to want to control the people they victimize.  The only way to completely eradicate their urge to do wrong (because they could alway drug their victims and then not have to grab them) is to take away the cause of the urge.
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Oh, little girl.. Never never and never.\n\nSee how many people are there to answer you. No one has any problem to answer you. I am sure most of them, though they may have hundreds of their own personal problems, will be always ready to answer you and support you.  See the wonder ful people who answered here... \nmeta4icks, matilda, krisj38, mompoo, st martin, lulykofford, lahsgirl2010, cos_studygro, OneRunningMan, otraves, nacho_bella420\n\nAfter all, as mompoo told here, which other answer in yahoo-answers is worth answering.. Have you seen any other questions, many of them make us sick. We all will listen to you a thousand times. Dont worry.\n\nAnd it is you who has to come forward and tell us boldly one day. "hey come on, I am okay now, I am very happy, I dont have any bad thougthts now.."\n\nWe are all eager to hear that from you. But you see, we will not go away till you tell that  : )  .  Well, take your own time. These things will take their own time.  We will be here for you.\n\nHave you read meta4icks' answer very carefully? \nYou need to read it once again. I have experienced this in the past. So I can tell what he says is right. Your question this time is a different question. See yourself..\n\nEarlier, it was a helpless person's request for support. Today, it is a very rational question... Very rational. Your conscious mind (though with all the stress) has already started taking control over the situation.... slowly.. Todays question is not a helpless voice, but a rational, realistic reaction to the outside world.... (The answer from our side is -- "Dont worry , we are here for you."  But, dear little girl, you are fast improving.. realize that.. \n\nSome one pointed out in the previous questions' answers that you have taken the right step to connect with others. That itself was a big leap forward in the right direction. Now you have already established some contacts with medical experts. Probably you have to go one more step forward and connect with a local person, who can talk to you in person. (The internet is not the best communication medium)\n\nWhat nacho says should be considered in the positive sense. He/she is only asking you to go forward to take more positive steps. There is a danger tomorrow a sadist person trying to destroy all the good improvement you have aleady made. So please learn to ignore others saying-- that is the meaning of what Nacho says.\n\nI ask you to write down and keep for later reading what otraves says. It is a naked truth. "We are all mad.." I would correct his statement. All human being ae nuerotic. At certain point of time this will become a little serious and we may need outside support. I am sure some of the medical expert will endorse my saying, I read this long back in a psychology book-- it says every human being is actuall y nuerotic.\n\nSt marin, your answer is really encouraging. And most others' answers. \n\nhey, you have to give us chocolates when you are completely happy. okay? I know you can not send chocolates to all of us, But you will sure send a greeting card with  a virtual chocolate.. Promise?\n\nHow sweet is this world.. We all need you to be with us in this world overcoming temporary dark time...  You need to make this world sweeter...
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Many people confuse the term sex offender with pedophiles and rapists. There are many instances where this is not the case. These people are not threats to society and should not continue to be punished as such. \n\nAs far as "better safe than sorry"... what ever happened to "beyond the shadow of a doubt" that our legal system was based on? These people won't be crying that out when some kid accidently sees them naked thru the sliding glass window and they end up on the list.\n\nAnd then what is next? A list so we know if there are drug dealers in our neighborhood? People with Aids or Herpes? (I would like to know if the girl I just met has either... and it is my right to know, right?)\n\nThe List is Unconstitutional on the basis of Due Process of the Law. The list was created because they say that pedophiles (not all sex offenders, but pedophiles) have a likelihood of offending again. So they are on this list for a crime they MIGHT commit. They are given these restrictions as punishment for a crime they MAY or MAY NOT commit in the future? Is this Minority Report? \n\nElvis Presley was a sex offender.
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Abusing a child for reporting sexual abuse.\n\nWhat kind of message does that send?\n\nHe should have to at least do supervised community service.  Something positive for the community and a learning experience for him.  \n\nFace it, the molester probably won't get much jail time.  It's infuriating, but true.\n\nHe definitely doesn't need to counsel anymore!\n\nIf he is sincere, but horribly misguided, maybe he could be rehabilitated in some way.  Sadly some people are in the ministry who just have no business being there and it's a cover for their maladjustment.\n\n\nThat poor girl!  Personally, I don't think her mother is without fault in this, either.  She probably gave him permission.