Paraphilic Disorders
Understanding Distress Causing Sexual Desires and Impulses
What is a Paraphilic Disorder?
Causes
Myths of Paraphilic Disorders
Myth: All paraphilia is illegal.
Fact: Only pedophilia, voyeurism, frotteurism, and exhibitionism are illegal, as long as all others involve consenting adults (US Legal, Inc., 2016).
Myth: Only men can have a paraphilic disorder.
Fact: Men may be more commonly diagnosed, but women can develop a paraphilic disorder. Women are much more likely than men to have a sexual masochistic disorder (Brannon, 2015).
Myth: If a paraphilic disorder doesn't cause legal problems, no treatment is needed.
Fact: Paraphilic disorders cause distress or impairment, and treatment helps relieve symptoms and teaches coping skills (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2016).
Treatment Options
Medication- certain medications that lower sex drive can be helpful
Aversions therapy- the sexual fantasy (paraphilia) is paired with either unpleasant smell, sounds, or shock to cause aversion
Cognitive-Behavior Therapy- restructuring cognitive functions and changing behavior to overcome paraphilic tendencies and symptoms of disorder
Victim Identification Therapy- identifying the individual(s) involved in a predatory paraphilic disorder can help overcome impulsive behavior (Benuto, 2009).
Finding a Psychologist to Fit Your Needs
- What is your area of expertise? How much experience do you have?
- Do you have a Doctorate? What about other certifications and licenses?
- Can you bill my insurance? Tell me about cost and payment options.
- What can I expect in terms of therapy choice and medication?
- What are your hours, location, and overall availability?
References
ADAA. (2016). Questions to ask: Choosing a treatment provider. Retrieved from Anxiety and Depression Association of America: http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/treatment/questions-choosing-your-therapist
Benuto, L. (2009). Paraphilias causes and treatment. Retrieved from MentalHelp: https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/paraphilias-causes-and-treatments/
Brannon, G. (2015). Paraphilic Disorders. Retrieved from Medscape: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/291419-overview
Dryden-Edwards, R. (2016). Paraphilias. Retrieved from MedicineNet: http://www.medicinenet.com/paraphilia/article.htm
First, M. &. (2008). Use of DSM paraphilia diagnoses in sexually violent predator commitment cases. American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, 36, 443-454. Retrieved from http://texaspsychiatry.com/Valuable%20Methodological%20Sources.htm
International Society for Sexual Medicine. (2016). What causes paraphilias? Retrieved from Education for All: http://www.issm.info/education-for-all/sexual-health-qa/what-causes-paraphilias
McManus, M. A., Hargreaves, P., Rainbow, L., & Alison, L. J. (2013). Paraphilias: definition, diagnosis and treatment. F1000Prime Reports, 5, 36. http://doi.org/10.12703/P5-36
Miilru. (2015). Comp_1. Malou's Figments. Retrieved from http://malousfigments.com/are-pedophiles-evil/
Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2014). Abnormal Psychology, (6th ed). New York, NY: McGraw
Hill Education.
US Legal, Inc. (2016). Paraphilia Law & Legal Definition. Retrieved from US Legal: definitions.uslegal.com/p/paraphilia/