These disorders involve clinically significant distress or impairment in functioning.
Sex is a normal part of life, and having unconventionalsexual thoughtsand fantasies isnt unusual.
People with paraphilic disorders will often engage in sexual behaviors that can cause harm to themselves and others.
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Some paraphilias focus explicitly on causing pain and suffering to oneself or others.
Not all paraphilic interests make up a paraphilic disorder.
Its important to distinguish between paraphilia and a paraphilic disorder.
Symptoms of Paraphilic Disorders
Symptoms of paraphilic disorders are wide and varying.
A common thread of paraphilic disorders is their potential to cause harm.
They are often so intense that they cause significant distress and disrupt daily functioning.
Identifying Paraphilic Disorders
Its important to note that theres a distinct difference between paraphilias and paraphilic disorders.
Paraphilias can be harmless if they arent causing harm or distress to yourself or others.
If theres a risk of harm, it could also be classified as a paraphilic disorder.
Types of Paraphilic Disorders
According to the DSM-5, there are eight specified paraphilic disorders.
Some common fetishes include undergarments, feet, rubber and leather items.
Its a rare throw in of paraphilia, and much research still needs to be done to understand it.
This must have caused significant distress or impairment, or the individual must have acted upon this urge.
Its normal for mild sadistic sexual behavior to occur between two adults who consent.
Pedophilic Disorder
Pedophilia is sexual attraction to children.
Its important to note that acting onsexual attractionto children is a crime.
Sexual Masochism Disorder
Sexualmasochismmay be seen as the flip side of sexual sadism.
Voyeuristic disorder causes significant distress and can limit a persons ability to function.
Voyeuristc disorder is more common amongst men than women.
Transvestic Disorder
A person who is sexually aroused by cross-dressing may have transvestic disorder.
Paraphilic disorders are not limited to the above eight types.
Treatment for Paraphilic Disorders
Treatment for paraphilic disorders is highly individualized.
In general, different forms of therapy and medications are used in treating paraphilic conditions.
A combination of psychotherapy and medication is often recommended for the most effective results.
Medication
Medication approaches to paraphilic disorders may help people control their sexual arousal or behavior.
Antiandrogen treatment is may be a pharmacological treatment for men with severe paraphilic disorders.
Antiandrogen treatments are particularly recommended for paraphilic disorders that can cause harm to others or lead to sexual offenses.
Antiandrogen treatments work by reducing testosterone which in turn reduces sexual drive.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy may help someone manage or cope with their paraphilic symptoms and behaviors.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been the most commonly used approach for paraphilic disorders.
A Word from Verywell
Paraphilias and paraphilic disorders are two separate terms.
Paraphilias are atypical sexual urges and behaviors.
Its crucial to get treatment for a paraphilic disorder to save yourself from harm and prevent harm to others.
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