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 Exhibitionism
Exhibitionism, which involves exposing
one's genitals or sexual organs to a stranger, falls under the
psychiatric sexual disorders category of paraphilias, "abnormal
or unnatural attraction." The exhibitionist might masturbate (or
fantasize about masturbating) while exposing himself but makes
no further attempt at sexual activity with the stranger.
Symptoms
 There
is sexual arousal directly related to surprising the victim
The
victim is unwilling
No
further sexual contact is desired
Most exhibitionists do
not receive treatment until they are caught by the authorities and
are ordered into treatment. If you or someone you care about is an
exhibitionist, early treatment is strongly advised. Ask
for help, now.
FETISHISM
Fetishism is characterized as a
disorder when there is a pathological assignment of sexual fixation,
fantasies or behaviors toward an inanimate object -- frequently an
item of clothing -- such as underclothing or a high-heeled shoe --
or to nongenital body parts -- such as the foot. Only through use of
this object can the individual obtain sexual gratification. The
fetishist usually holds, rubs or smells the fetish object for sexual
gratification or asks their partner to wear the object during sexual
encounters. Fetishism is a more common occurrence in males.
Symptoms
Repeatedly
for a period of at least six months, the patient has
recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, urges or
behaviors involving nonliving objects (such as female
undergarments and shoes).
The
fantasies, sexual urges or behaviors cause significant
distress or impair social, occupational or personal
functioning.
The
fetish objects are not articles of clothing used in
cross-dressing as in transvestite fetishism and are not
designed for tactile genital stimulation such as a vibrator.
Almost always the
treatment must be long-term if it is to be effective. Treatment
approaches have included traditional psychoanalysis, hypnosis,
cognitive and behavior therapy as well as pharmacotherapy.
Ask
for help, now.
PEDOPHILIA
Pedophilia is defined as the
fantasy or act of sexual activity with prepubescent children.
Pedophiles are usually men, and can be attracted to either or both
sexes. How well they relate to adults of the opposite sex varies. Perpetrators
often delude themselves into viewing their actions as helpful to
children. They might tell themselves they are contributing to a
child's development or that the child is enjoying the act; however,
they do tell their victims not to alert their parents or authorities. An
estimated 20 percent of American children have been sexually
molested, making pedophilia the most common paraphilia. Offenders
are usually family friends or relatives. Types of activities vary
and may include just looking at a child or undressing and touching a
child. However, acts often do involve oral sex or touching of
genitals of the child or offender. Studies suggest that children who
feel uncared for or lonely may be at higher risk.
Symptoms
Recurrent,
intense sexual fantasies, urges or behaviors involving
sexual activity with a prepubescent child (generally age 13
years or younger) for a period of at least 6 months.
There are a number of
difficulties with the diagnosis of pedophilia. People who have the
disease rarely seek help voluntarily—counseling and treatment are
often the result of a court order. If you want to uncover
and work through the underlying cause of the behavior
Ask
for help, now.
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Gender Identity DisorderOrgasmic DisorderSexual Pain DisorderSexual Masochism Sex and Love AddictionSexual Arousal Disorder
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