
POCD or Pedophilia OCD is a subtype of OCD where the person experiences distressing intrusive and unwanted thoughts or fears that they might become or currently are sexually attracted to children. Although the person actually does not want to cause any harm, and may actually value working with or spending time with children, they feel helpless and scared about their thoughts. The fear of being labeled as a pedophile or being ostracized by society often adds to the distress. However, just like other types of OCD, POCD can be treated effectively with exposure and response prevention (ERP). Below, I discuss what POCD is, how it is different from pedophilia, and how ERP can help people claim back their lives.