Delphi Recommendations for Diagnosis and Treatment of Sexual Interest in Children in Non-Mandated Community Settings

This study sought to reach an international expert consensus regarding the diagnosis and treatment of adults with a sexual interest in children in cases where treatment is non-mandated. An expert panel of 27 participants (19 professionals and eight individuals with sexual interest in children) completed at least one of three rounds of an online Delphi survey. In the first round, participants responded to open-ended questions about assessment approaches, treatment goals, treatment approaches, and adapting assessment and treatment for sexual exclusivity. In rounds two and three, participants rated their level of agreement with each of the recommendations derived from Round 1. Consensus was reached for 48 practice guidelines, particularly for recommendations that relate to general clinical practice, such as assessing for other mental health conditions. There was more contention for the inclusion of forensic practices. The present recommendations can serve as a set of tentative guidelines that may guide assessment and treatment of sexual interest in children in non-mandated settings.