Treatment for youth paraphilic disorders: opportunities to reduce harm.

OBJECTIVE

To outline current understanding and recommended treatments for paraphilic or sexual deviant disorders in adolescents and youth.

METHOD: An overview of the diagnosis, development and scope of paraphilic disorders. Evidence and an algorithm for pharmacological treatments in youth are outlined.

RESULTS

Paraphilic disorders are relatively common in adolescents and youth, with fantasies and urges preceding the onset of deviant behaviour by a handful of years. Research in youth is sparse, but the available evidence supports that paraphilic disorders respond favourably to psychological and pharmacological treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

The detection of paraphilic disorders in adolescents and youth presents a window of opportunity, where treatment may be provided before deviant behaviour occurs, potentially reducing the future incidence of sexual abuse.