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Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment
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Problems with the DSM-IV Diagnosis of Pedophilia

William O'Donohue

University of Nevada, Reno

Lisa G. Regev

University of Nevada, Reno

Anne Hagstrom

Northern Illinois University

This paper examines the taxonomic adequacy of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th ed., DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) diagnostic category of pedophilia. This diagnosis, as well as the other sexual disorders, have been ignored in DSM field trials. There is no empirical information about the reliability or validity of this diagnosis. Moreover, because the vagueness of the diagnostic criteria, clinicians would need to make inferences that would likely lead to reliability problems in diagnosis. Further, the DSM diagnostic criteria include constructs that are not intersubjectively verifiable and for which there are no valid measures. This can also lead to lack of diagnostic reliability and accuracy. Most problematical however, there are aspects of the diagnostic criteria, most notably the presence of an "ego dystonic sexual attraction to children," that are incorrect exclusion criteria. Suggestions for improvement are provided.

Key Words: pedophilia • sexual interest • DSM-IV • behavioral disorder.

Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, Vol. 12, No. 2, 95-105 (2000)
DOI: 10.1177/107906320001200202
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