Infantophilia

Infantophilia
Specialty	Psychiatry

Infantophilia is a psychiatric condition characterized by a primary or exclusive sexual attraction to infants or very young children. This condition is considered a form of pedophilia, and is both a criminal and medical issue due to the inability of infants to consent and the significant harm that can be inflicted upon victims.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The primary symptom of infantophilia is a persistent sexual attraction to infants. Diagnosis typically involves a detailed psychiatric evaluation, often conducted by a specialist in forensic psychiatry. The criteria for diagnosis are based on the individual's sexual interest patterns, behaviors, and the presence of distress or impairment caused by these interests.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of infantophilia are not well understood. However, it is thought to involve a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Risk factors may include a history of childhood abuse, exposure to certain behaviors during critical developmental periods, and other psychiatric disorders.

Treatment and Management

Treatment for infantophilia typically involves psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) aimed at controlling harmful behaviors and reducing sexual interest in children. In some cases, pharmacological treatments such as anti-androgens or SSRIs may be used to reduce sexual drive.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Infantophilia is illegal in many jurisdictions due to the severe harm it poses to children. Legal systems often require individuals diagnosed with this condition to register as sex offenders, and they may face significant legal penalties if they commit sexual offenses against children.

See also

• Child sexual abuse
• Pedophilia
• Sexual attraction