Comparing characteristics of individuals with paraphilic disorders to healthy controls

Paraphilic Disorders and Other Conditions With Risk for Sexual Violence: a Case-control Study

Observational Region Stockholm · NCT05861752

This study looks at the differences in mental health and sexual interests between people with paraphilic disorders and healthy individuals to better understand their conditions.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRegion Stockholm Government
Locations1 site (Stockholm, Stockholm County)
Trial IDNCT05861752 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational case-control study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics of individuals seeking help for paraphilic disorders and sexsomnia compared to healthy controls. Participants will undergo structured medical assessments, including psychiatric evaluations and neuropsychological testing, alongside questionnaires addressing various factors related to their conditions. The study will also conduct qualitative interviews to explore the development of sexual interests over time. Follow-up assessments will track treatment types and adherence over a year.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who meet the criteria for paraphilia or sexsomnia as defined by DSM-5.

Not a fit: Patients with serious mental disorders requiring immediate treatment or those whose psychological conditions may jeopardize their health or the study's integrity may not benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of paraphilic disorders and inform more effective treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on paraphilic disorders, this specific case-control approach focusing on clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 years of age and older
2. Signed informed consent
3. Be able to understand the Swedish language in oral and in writing
4. Meet criteria for paraphilia (sexual deviation) according to DSM-5 (with the exception of pedophilia), compulsive sexual behavior disorder according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), or sexsomnia (sexual act during sleep)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Serious mental disorder such as current psychosis or severe depression that requires immediate handling/treatment.
2. Psychological condition that may endanger the patient's health or the scientific parts of the study, this is assessed by the assessing physician and psychologist (for example, intellectual disability).

Criteria for control persons:

Inclusion criteria

1. Age and sex matched to clinical population
2. Signed informed consent
3. Be able to understand the Swedish language in oral and in writing

Exclusion criteria

1. Serious somatic illness (determined by the study physician).
2. Ongoing substance use syndrome
3. Serious psychiatric illnesses/conditions that require medical attention (determined by the study physician).
4. First-degree relative with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or deceased by suicide.
5. Positive screening for compulsive sexual behavior disorder, paraphilia or sexsomnia.

Where this trial is running

Stockholm, Stockholm County

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Paraphilic DisordersSexual AddictionParasomnia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.