Lecture Notes

For people with paraphilic disorder, the paraphilic behavior is the predominant sexual behavior, although they may engage in other sexual activities as well. The distinction between sexual variation and a paraphilic disorder is sometimes a difference of degree and not kind. For example, many men find that certain objects, such as black lingerie, intensify their sexual arousal; and for other men, these objects are necessary for arousal. In the first case, there is nothing particularly unusual. But if a man is unable to become sexually aroused without the lingerie and the purpose of sex is to bring him in contact with it, the behavior is considered fetishistic disorder by the American Psychiatric Association.

The majority of paraphilic disorder diagnoses involve males. Paraphilic disorder tends to be compulsive, long-standing, and distressing to the individual. They may lead to legal and interpersonal difficulties, but it may seem irresistible and rewarding for that person who continues the activity.