About Pedophilia OCD / POCD
Pedophilia OCD (often referred to as POCD) is a specific subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) where a person experiences intrusive, distressing, and unwanted thoughts about harming children in a sexual way. Despite these thoughts, individuals with POCD are not attracted to children and do not want to act on these thoughts. In fact, these individuals often feel horrified and repulsed by the thoughts, which causes significant distress. Because of the tremendous guilt and shame those with POCD might feel for having these thoughts, it can often lead them to withdraw socially or avoid situations where children are present. They may be afraid that others will discover their thoughts, causing embarrassment or even the risk of being judged as dangerous. Â These thoughts might also cause them to seek reassurance from others that they are not a danger to children (sometimes this may include asking a loved one if they are normal or if they could ever act on such thoughts). Compulsions could also include trying to mentally “undo” the thoughts or “neutralize” them with other thoughts to reassure themselves that they are not dangerous.
