Paraphilias: Clinical and Forensic Considerations

Paraphilias are defined by DSM-IV-TR as sexual disorders characterized by recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges or behaviors generally involving (1) nonhuman objects, (2) the suffering or humiliation of oneself or one's partner, or (3) children or other nonconsenting persons that occur over a period of 6 months (Criterion A), which cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning (Criterion B). DSM-IV-TR describes 8 specific disorders of this type (exhibitionism, fetishism, frotteurism, pedophilia, sexual masochism, sexual sadism, voyeurism, and transvestic fetishism) along with a ninth residual category, paraphilia not otherwise specified (NOS).