Paraphilias - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Paraphilias are sometimes referred to as sexual deviations or perversions. The act commonly is followed by arousal and orgasm, usually achieved by masturbation and fantasy. There is also a sense of distress within these individuals. It is the repeated, intense sexual arousal to unconventional (socially deviant) stimuli. Paraphilias may interfere with the capacity for reciprocal affectionate sexual activity. Paraphilia is also used to imply non-mainstream sexual practices without necessarily implying dysfunction or deviance. Paraphilias are a part of the impulse control disorders or if they fall within the spectrum of obsessive-compulsive disorders. Predatory pedophiles may use force or threaten their victims if they disclose the abuse. The more common paraphilias include voyeurism and frotteurism, and the most rare paraphilia is zoophilia. Homosexuality was previously listed as a paraphilia in the DSM-I and DSM-II. Consistent with the change in consensus among psychiatrists it was not included in later editions. Optional paraphilias are far more common than preferred paraphilias, which are, in turn, far more common than exclusive paraphilias. Force or coercion may be used to engage children sexually, and threats may be invoked to prevent disclosure by the victim. In Western societies, pedophilia is defined as sexual fantasy about or sexual relations with a child younger than 13 by a person 16 or older.