Which of the following is true about pedophilic disorder?

• A. It is defined as any sexual interest in adolescents aged 16 and older.
• B. It is characterized by recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, urges, or behaviors involving sexual activity with a prepubescent child or children.
• C. It can only be diagnosed if the individual has acted on their urges.
• D. It is no longer recognized as a mental disorder in the DSM-5.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of pedophilic disorder as per the DSM-5, which is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, used by clinicians to diagnose mental health conditions.
2. Step 2: Recognize that pedophilic disorder involves recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, urges, or behaviors that are focused on prepubescent children, typically those aged 13 years or younger, not adolescents aged 16 or older.
3. Step 3: Note that the diagnosis does not require the individual to have acted on these urges; the presence of distress or impairment caused by these urges or fantasies is sufficient for diagnosis.
4. Step 4: Confirm that pedophilic disorder is still recognized as a mental disorder in the DSM-5, meaning it has not been removed or reclassified.
5. Step 5: Based on these points, identify the correct statement as the one describing the disorder as characterized by recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, urges, or behaviors involving sexual activity with a prepubescent child or children.