Fetishistic Disorder Causes Treatment | Blog

Fetishistic Disorder: Causes & Treatment

February 10 2023 TalktoAngel 0 comments 3011 Views

The word "fetishism," which implies "obsessive attraction," comes from the Portuguese word feitico. The majority of us frequently experience sexual ideas and urges; sexuality is a unique characteristic and personal component of life. Our physical desires and cravings can take on several forms, including a sexual fetish, which is an attraction to an inanimate object (or object) or a body component other than the genitalia. When one's fetish starts to exceed and stops them from functioning well in society, profession, or in their relationships, the fetishistic disorder might develop. One of the eight diseases with a sexual component known as paraphilic disorders is fetishistic disorder.

The DSM-5 defines the fetishistic disorder as a syndrome characterized by a very particular emphasis on a bodily part, most frequently nongenital, such as the feet, or by continuous and repetitive use of or dependence on nonliving things (such as garments or high-heeled shoes).

The Portuguese word feitico, which means "obsessive fascination," is where the word "fetishism" comes from. Only by using this item or concentrating on this body area can the person have sexual fulfillment.

Some people may become aroused only by looking at a picture of their fetish object, while many people need or prefer the real thing in order to become aroused. The fetishist typically wants their partner to wear the fetish object during sexual relationships or grab, rub taste, or smell the object for sexual gratification.

Signs and symptoms of Fetishistic Disorder

Fetishistic disorder is characterized by frequent and intense sexual stimulation brought on by the use of nonliving objects or by a highly focused attention on a non-genital body part(s), exhibited as thoughts, impulses, or behaviors. The abnormal focus of a person's sexual desire might cause anxiety and discomfort in the affected person.

Some other symptoms are:

Sexual arousal occurs frequently and strongly from inanimate objects or non-genital body parts and lasts for at least six months.
These feelings result in clinically significant discomfort or functional impairment in important social, occupational, or other areas.
Fetish objects are not just items of clothing utilized by transvestites.
Recurring fetish-related urges, ideas, or thoughts that continue longer than six months
Concerned with the fetish and one's cravings for it, there is anxiety, embarrassment, or doubt.
Difficulties in the person's daily life brought on by their fetish, such as issues at work, at home, or in their interpersonal interactions.

Fetishistic Disorder in DSM-5

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) states that someone has a fetish disorder when their fetish(es) negatively impacts their mental health or another part of their well-being for a time longer than six months.

Here are some further details:

Craving for sexual stimulation from an inanimate object or a nongenital body part on a regular, acute, or compulsive basis
The need for sex shows up as fantasies, cravings, or abnormal actions.
Due to the fetish, there is persistent anxiety and a severe loss of functionality.
Due to cross-dressing, the person does not use the object used for sexual urges (if compulsive or disruptive, this could be an indication of transvestic disorder).

Causes fetishistic Disorder

Fetishes typically begin to manifest around the time of puberty. Some theories claim that the association between an object or body part and a person's initial sexual arousal or masturbation experiences leads to the development of fetishistic desire. There is no solid evidence that anything causes or triggers the fetishistic disorder.

Biological factors, such as faulty brain development, childhood experiences, and cultural variables are some of the explanations that have been put forth. Researchers have discovered that fetishism rates vary among cultures due to how they see sexuality.

Effects of Fetishistic disorder

The fetishistic disorder frequently has the following effects:

It often results in guilt
Conflicting emotions and a fear of judgments
Isolation
Having open discussions in your relationship
Your lover can feel unworthy.

Treatment fetishistic Disorder

Fetish fantasies are frequent and often harmless. The DSM classification states that they should only be handled as a disorder when they result in distress or limit a person's capacity to go about their daily lives regularly.

Patients should be aware that there have historically been restrictions on how much therapy, medicine, or a combination of the two can assist control symptoms of the fetishistic disorder, even if a variety of therapy- and medication-based therapies can do so. These therapies often address the symptoms—anxiety, guilt, and interpersonal issues—that led a patient to seek treatment, but many fetishists may continue to have a long-term urge for their fetish object. Improved patient coping is one of the main results of the various therapies.

People with paraphiliac illnesses may benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy methods. These consist of reconditioning, aversive conditioning, and sensitization. Techniques for reconditioning patients focus on providing them with immediate feedback in order to change their behavior straight away. For instance, a person might be taught self-regulation strategies to maintain a light within a certain range of hue after being connected to a biofeedback device that is coupled to a light. Then, while being exposed to sexually suggestive content, they practice doing this. Masturbation training could concentrate on isolating abnormal behavior from the pleasure and climax of masturbation.

You could benefit from professional help, and discuss your concerns about fetish disorder with an Online Counsellor and a psychologist of your choice. You can connect with the Best Psychologists in India, counsellors, psychologists, and Online Psychiatrists and take Online Counselling at TalktoAngel No. 1 Mental Wellness Counselling platform with just one click, who can help you handle your mental health difficulties and take care of your mental health on your own.

Contributed by: Dr(Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist, Counsellor, & Life Coach & Dr. Sakshi Kochhar