To What Extent Can Paedophilia Be Considered and Classified As a Mental Health Disorder and to What Degree Is It Punishable‪?‬

The purpose of this review was to discuss to what extent paedophilia can be considered and classified as a mental health disorder and to what degree is it punishable, by covering the important topics of: the DSM-V, the various precursors to paedophilia and the evaluation of current interventions and legal punishments. There is an emphasis on the importance of viewing each case at an individual level when evaluating the most appropriate and effective intervention for paedophilic individuals. It also expresses the need for societal views towards paedophiles to change, becoming less prejudice and reduced in stigmatisation. Additionally, improvements in the law are discussed which may lead to the encouragement of paedophiles to come forward and ask for help as this is important for the prevention of sexual offenses against children.