Opening the Discussion on the Costs of Pedophilic Disorder as a Mental Health Concern

Arch Sex Behav. 2026 Mar 14. doi: 10.1007/s10508-025-03406-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Despite recent advances, pedophilic disorder remains a highly stigmatized and underexplored condition. While its classification as a mental disorder is debated, we adopt this assumption provisionally to apply a cost-of-illness (COI) framework. COI studies, though methodologically limited, offer a pragmatic tool to translate individual impairment into societal costs-thus enabling health policy discussions, identifying service gaps, and supporting early intervention. This article outlines the potential COI associated with pedophilic disorder, distinguishing between cases with offense-related behaviors (child sexual abuse and exploitation material use) and non-offending individuals. We argue that neglecting this condition economically and institutionally has led to avoidable human suffering and may increase long-term societal costs. Applying a COI perspective allows for a more empathetic and preventive public health approach-one that fosters help-seeking, reduces stigma, and ultimately helps prevent sexual victimization of children. By quantifying the hidden burden of pedophilic disorder, COI studies may support more rational, humane, and effective responses to a complex condition. They offer a dual benefit: improving care for affected individuals and reducing harm to others. In doing so, they contribute to a public health framework that neither ignores nor criminalizes, but seeks to prevent.

PMID:41832276 | DOI:10.1007/s10508-025-03406-w