Psychological Treatment of the Paraphilias: a Review and an Appraisal of Effectiveness.

Abstract

Initially, this paper notes that treatment for the paraphilias has been most thoroughly described and evaluated within the context of treating sex offenders (i.e., child molesters, rapists, and exhibitionists). We note that the literature does not always carefully distinguish "pedophiles" from other child molesters and that rapists are often identified as having a "Not Otherwise Specified" paraphilia. Both these practices appear problematic. We then outline current approaches to the treatment of sex offenders which have typically been seen as relevant to dealing with all types of paraphilias. The historical emergence of sex offender treatment is noted, leading to an outline of current approaches that address known problematic issues by employing established procedures and by delivering treatment in an empirically based manner. We conclude with a description of evaluations of the effectiveness of these treatment approaches which indicate overall positive outcomes.