Clinical Challenges in Pedophilia-Themed Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Authors

  • Carla FerreiraServiço de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental. Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte. Lisboa.Departamento de Psiquiatria. Faculdade de Medicina. Universidade de Lisboa. Lisboa.
  • Liliana FerreiraServiço de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental. Hospital Distrital de Santarém. Santarém.
  • Samuel PomboServiço de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental. Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte. Lisboa.Departamento de Psiquiatria. Faculdade de Medicina. Universidade de Lisboa. Lisboa.
  • Rui Xavier VieiraServiço de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental. Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte. Lisboa.Departamento de Psiquiatria. Faculdade de Medicina. Universidade de Lisboa. Lisboa.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.13296

Keywords:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/diagnosis, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/therapy, Pedophilia, Social Stigma

Abstract

In obsessive-compulsive disorder, pedophilia-themed obsessions-distressing intrusive thoughts about being sexually attracted to, or sexually abusing, children-are the most distressing for patients and the most misdiagnosed among healthcare professionals. Our aim is to present a case report highlighting the role stigma plays in delaying treatment, the clinical challenges in the diagnosis, and in the treatment of pedophilia-themed obsessive-compulsive disorder, in order to address the lack of literature on the subject. The case concerns a 33-year-old man with suicidal thoughts associated with the unbearable suffering caused by pedophilia-themed obsessions he had been having over the previous decade, without ever asking for help. This situation was highly disabling, leaving him mostly isolated in his bedroom. After the differential diagnosis was made, a treatment plan combining pharmacological and cognitive-behavioural therapy was implemented. After 18 months he showed a degree of remission that made it possible for him to apply for a job.

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Author Biographies

Carla Ferreira,Serviço de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental. Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte. Lisboa.Departamento de Psiquiatria. Faculdade de Medicina. Universidade de Lisboa. Lisboa.

Médica Interna de Psiquiatria

Liliana Ferreira,Serviço de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental. Hospital Distrital de Santarém. Santarém.

Médica Interna de Psiquiatria

Samuel Pombo,Serviço de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental. Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte. Lisboa.Departamento de Psiquiatria. Faculdade de Medicina. Universidade de Lisboa. Lisboa.

Psicólogo Clínico

Rui Xavier Vieira,Serviço de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental. Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte. Lisboa.Departamento de Psiquiatria. Faculdade de Medicina. Universidade de Lisboa. Lisboa.

Assistente Graduado Sénior

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Published

2021-10-01

How to Cite

1.
Ferreira C, Ferreira L, Pombo S, Vieira RX. Clinical Challenges in Pedophilia-Themed Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 2021 Oct. 1 [cited 2025 Nov. 28];34(10):692-5. Available from: https://www.actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/13296

Issue

Section

Case Report

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