Woman, 22, Diagnosed with Rare P‑OCD After Years of Intrusive Thoughts

Molly Lambert experienced persistent, distressing sexual intrusive thoughts from her mid-teens and was formally diagnosed in August 2025 with pedophilia‑themed obsessive‑compulsive disorder (P‑OCD); she has since sought treatment and spoken publicly to reduce stigma.

Lambert, 22, spent years troubled by unwanted sexual and violent thoughts about children and feared she was a danger to others. She noticed these themes from about age 15 and initially kept the thoughts private. At 19 she encountered information online about pedophilia‑themed OCD (P‑OCD), and in August 2025 she received a formal diagnosis. She has sought treatment and chosen to speak publicly about her experience to connect with others and reduce stigma. Key facts: - Molly Lambert experienced persistent intrusive thoughts about harming children beginning around age 15 and felt intense shame. - She was formally diagnosed with pedophilia‑themed obsessive‑compulsive disorder (P‑OCD) in August 2025 and is receiving help. - Her public disclosure prompted others to report similar obsessions and, in some cases, severe distress that included psychiatric hospitalization. Summary: Lambert’s diagnosis reframes long-standing unwanted thoughts as a symptom of OCD rather than a statement about identity, and sharing her experience has helped others speak up. Undetermined at this time.