[Sexual child abuse. 221 persons charged with sexual abuse of children examined by forensic psychiatrists].

The number of police reports of sexual abuse of children below the age of 14 increased fourfold from 1980 to 1991. Half of the charges were dismissed by the police. 20% of the charged, predominantly males, were examined by forensic psychiatrists. Mean age of the examined was 32 years, and close to 50% were unmarried. 40% had alcohol and/or drug addiction problems. One third had been sentenced by a court before, and 20% had experienced previous court reactions for sexual abuse or deviant behaviour. 7% were diagnosed as psychotic and 80% were considered to have personality disorders. In 10% of the cases no psychiatric diagnosis was made. Dynamic factors behind the abuse are discussed. Most of the abusers are psychosexually immature as part of a more comprehensive personality disturbance.