Pedophilic disorder

**Definition:** Pedophilic disorder is characterised by a sustained, focused, and intense pattern of sexual arousal-as manifested by persistent sexual thoughts, fantasies, urges, or behaviours-involving pre-pubertal children. In addition, in order for Pedophilic Disorder to be diagnosed, the individual must have acted on these thoughts, fantasies or urges or be markedly distressed by them. This diagnosis does not apply to sexual behaviours among pre- or post-pubertal children with peers who are close in age.