What condition involves sexual contact with children under the age of 13?

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Prepare for the Pennsylvania Psychiatry Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Master the material and boost your confidence!

The condition that involves sexual contact with children under the age of 13 is defined as pedophilia. Pedophilia is characterized by sustained, intense sexual interest in prepubescent children, typically defined as those who are 13 years old or younger. This condition is considered a psychiatric disorder and is classified under paraphilic disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

Understanding pedophilia is critical because it raises significant legal and ethical concerns. It is important to differentiate it from other types of sexual disorders, as those do not specifically involve minors or prepubescent children. For instance, fetishism refers to sexual arousal related to specific objects or body parts, exhibitionism involves deriving sexual pleasure from exposing oneself to unsuspecting individuals, and sexual aversion disorder is characterized by a significant aversion to sexual contact. These conditions do not focus on the sexual exploitation of children.

Thus, pedophilia stands out distinctly as it specifically pertains to a pattern of sexual attraction and contact with children, leading to serious implications for both the individual and the society.

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