Voyeuristic disorder is part of a group of mental health conditions called paraphilic disorders.
This article will explain what voyeuristic fantasies are and when voyeurism is classified as a psychological disorder.
What Is Voyeurism?
Martin-dm / Getty Images
By itself, voyeurism is not a mental health disorder.
Voyeuristic disorder is a paraphilic disorder.It is characterized by strong and persistent sexual interest, urges, and behaviors.
The thoughts and urges of paraphilic disorders are usually focused on inanimate objects or children.
Voyeuristic fantasies usually start in adolescence or early adulthood and are more common in men than in women.
Around 12% of men and 4% of women have voyeuristic disorder.
Is Voyeurism a Crime?
Voyeurism is a sex crime in many states.
Some people with voyeuristic disorder develop another paraphilic disorder, like exhibitionist disorder.
They usually wont talk about their thoughts and urges with healthcare providers or loved ones.
However, early treatment can help prevent a person with voyeuristic disorder from harming themselves or others.
Voyeuristic Disorder Treatment
Voyeuristic disorder can be treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both.
Reducing testosterone levels reduces sex drive, which can help suppress voyeuristic urges.
Therapy can also teach people coping mechanisms to help them overcome voyeuristic thoughts and urges.
Going to couples and family therapy can also be important for the loved ones of someone with voyeuristic disorder.
Start by confiding in someone that you trust who can help you get treatment.
Encourage your loved one to reach out to a healthcare or mental health provider.
Summary
Voyeurism on its own is not a disorder.
Brown, G.MSD Manual Professional Edition.
Beech AR, Miner MH, Thornton D.Paraphilias in the DSM-5.Annu Rev Clin Psychol.
2017;54(2):161-171. doi:10.1080/00224499.2016.1139034
Fedoroff JP.Voyeuristic disorder.
Oxford University Press
Eisner Gorin LLP.Federal Crime of Video Voyeurism - 18 U.S. Code 1801.
First MB.DSM-5 and paraphilic disorders.Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online.
2014;42(2):191-201.
Government of Canada.Part 1 - Context - Voyeurism as a criminal offence: A consultation paper.
Popa T, Delcea C.Voyeurism and scopophilia.
International Journal of Advanced Studies in Sexology, Sexology Institute of Romania Vol.
1, Issue 1, pp.
ISSN 2668-7194 (print), ISSN 2668-9987 (online).
Cambridge University Press.Paraphilias and paraphilic disorders: diagnosis, assessment and management.
Balon R. Voyeuristic disorder.
In: Balon R, ed.Practical Guide to Paraphilia and Paraphilic Disorders.
Springer International Publishing; 2016:63-75.
2018; 14(3):54-56.
