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The underlying causes of pedophilic disorder are unclear. Although pedophilic behaviour has long been associated with sexual abuse or neglect experienced during childhood, recent studies have implicated certain alterations of brain structure and function that may be the result of neurodevelopmental problems occurring in utero or in early childhood.


An individual with pedophilic disorder who acts on his or her urges generally commits a serious sexual offense. Patients who are diagnosed with the disorder are expected to participate in treatment programs. To the extent that they are successful, however, such programs, involving both cognitive and behavioral therapies (see cognitive behaviour therapy), have served mainly to strengthen the affected individual’s ability to control his or her pedophilic urges rather than to eliminate the urges altogether. In some cases medications such as cyproterone that suppress the activity of testosterone in men can be effective in reducing aggressive behaviour and sex drive.