[Rive1976]

Can you be a pedophile and obsessed your one at the same time?

I think quite a few pedophiles probably feel very guilty about their attractions. So yes, I think someone can be a pedophile and also obsess about it.

That being said, there is something called Pure O, which is the "O" part of OCD. It involves intrusive thoughts that can be about many things, one of the main ones is "Pedophilia OCD" where you think you are a pedophile but you truly are not. Usually those with this branch of OCD are disgusted by pedophilia and even more disgusted that they are having these thoughts. Sometimes sufferers mistake anxious reactions around children for a genuine arousal reaction.

I used to struggle with harm OCD, which were intrusive thoughts that I would harm others. I would avoid people, sharp objects, and I thought I was a monster. Through several inpatient stays and top notch therapy, I was able to overcome this and have not struggled in years. It is rough while in the mire of the thoughts though, to distinguish what is an intrusive thought and what is a genuine desire.

[Rive1976]

Thank you. I was sexualized at a very young age. My thoughts or molesting younger kids started when i was 10 or 11. They scared the crap out of me. Even though i have never acted on them. I have urges and get on bouts where i search online forums like this to see if im a pedophile.

Originally Posted by Dnester

Thank you. I was sexualized at a very young age. My thoughts or molesting younger kids started when i was 10 or 11. They scared the crap out of me. Even though i have never acted on them. I have urges and get on bouts where i search online forums like this to see if im a pedophile.

It sounds more like Pure O then, rather than pedophilia. I totally understand how frightening these thoughts can be, and how real they can feel. If you ever want to chat or vent, feel free to shoot me a PM ok?

[Rive1976]

Ok thank you

Scaredandconfused - thanks for your comments. I learned something.

To the OP, how has therapy going for this? Would you classify this under catastrophic thinking? Black and white thinking perhaps? This has me wondering if CBT might be a good fit for you.

[Rive1976]

I just started therapy. I have only had 3 sessions.