Paraphilia

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List of terms related to Paraphilia

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Vatsala Sharma; M.B.B.S[2]

Synonyms and keywords: Fetishism, Voyeurism, Zoophilia, Pedophilia, Sexual perversion, Zoophilism, Abnormal sexual activity

Overview

Paraphilias are characterized by severe deviant sexual desire or urge resulting in actions that may cause significant impairment in functioning as well as distress (for oneself and/or others). Paraphilic behavior may occur intermittently or may persist for the entire life. To begin with, paraphilia occurs in the form of fantasy, and the paraphilic behavior manifests later in life. Mostly the individuals with this condition do not seek treatment themselves due to the pleasure they obtain from it and in some cases, the associated stigma. Paraphilias are not illegal but the resulting behaviors are. Timely treatment is important to prevent sexual offenses like pedophilia or serial rapes. Patients may have more than one type of paraphilia and therefore, it is essential to evaluate them thoroughly to provide optimal management.

Historical Perspective

• The term 'Paraphilia' is Greek in origin and is derived from the words-'Para'(deviation) and 'philia'(attraction).
• From biblical times, human societies across the world, have placed restrictions on many types of sexual behaviors. The level of acceptability is based on cultural variations across the globe.
• There is controversy in what should be called sexual deviation, mainly based on various factors like the degree of consent, age of the involved individuals, degree of distress caused, location of sexual behavior, degree of unacceptable by others, etc.
• The term 'Sadism' originated from Marquis de Sade (1740-1814). He was placed in a lunatic asylum multiple times and ultimately, died there. His mental instability is considered to have resulted in this pattern of sexual behavior.
• The term 'Masochism' came from Baron Leopold von Sacher Masoch (1835-1895), who was of European origin.
• With the publication of Psychopathia Sexualis at the end of the nineteenth century, sexual deviance was considered a medical condition. Psychopathia Sexualis was written by a German psychiatrist Krafft-Ebing, who described the sexual murders in this publication.

Classification

• Earlier the non-reproductive sexual behaviors were considered pathological and criminalized. However, over years the boundaries of pathology have been confined to the absence of sexual consent.
• The inclusion of the pathological classification of paraphilias in the DSM and ICD has been criticized for a long time. It is based on the thin line of difference between something that is a normal variation or just unusual, and something that is pathological.
• According to DSM-III, a patient could have more than one paraphilias but the extent of the multiplicity was not described until later editions.
• Till DSM-IV-TR, the diagnostic category of paraphilia was scrutinized for logic, clarity, and consistency.
• DSM-IV-TR included paraphilias in the chapter ‘Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders’.
• There were proposals to remove paraphilias as a diagnostic category from DSM-5. Some considered the concept of paraphilic disorder as more ideological than scientific.
• Despite the ongoing controversies, in DSM-5, the paraphilias have been assigned a separate chapter and are termed Paraphilic disorders.
• According to DSM-5, paraphilia as such does not require psychiatric intervention. Paraphilia causing harm to others or severe distress to oneself, is termed paraphilic disorder and needs treatment.
• It has been found that DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for paraphilias can increase the false-positive rates by diagnosing without assessing the underlying motivation (may not necessarily be paraphilic sexual arousal). As a result, attaining this diagnosis can produce many legal consequences.
• ICD-10 does not comprise a clear-cut definition of paraphilia. It simply refers to paraphilia as a disorder of sexual preference.

Pathophysiology

Monoamine Hypothesis

• Norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine are the monoamines involved in the physiology of sexual behavior.
• Side effects of certain medications like antidepressants and neuroleptics show that the alteration of monoamine levels can adversely affect sexuality.
• Monoamines modulate impulsivity, anxiety, depression, and antisocial behavior. Dysregulation of the neurotransmitters may also produce these conditions in patients with paraphilic disorders.
• The medications that act by increasing the serotonergic function have been found to suppress the paraphilic behavior. This further supports the monoamine hypothesis.

Role of Testosterone

Sex-steroid genetics influences both antisocial traits, and sexual behavior. The relationship between testosterone and paraphilia is further evident by the positive response seen in these patients with antiandrogen therapy.

Differential Diagnosis

It is important to differentiate paraphilias from others like

• Impulse disorder not otherwise specified (NOS)
• Bipolar affective disorder
• Cyclothymic disorder
• Substance-induced anxiety disorder
• Substance intoxication (like cocaine, or alcohol)
• Dissociative disorder
• Delusional disorder (erotomania)
• Gender identity disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Cognitive disorders like dementia
• Delirium
• Parkinson’s disease
• Other neurological disorders

Epidemiology and Demographics

• The exact prevalence of Paraphilic Disorders is difficult to estimate.
• Only a few patients seek treatment and most of the data is obtained from the paraphilic cases caught up in the legal system.

Age

• Although discrepancies in studies exist, on average no specific age group has been predisposed to develop Paraphilia.
• Literature has revealed that paraphilias mostly begin in childhood and are manifested later in adolescence.

Gender

• Paraphilic behavior is seen mostly in men. However, there are studies that show no prominent gender-differences.

Race

• Limited studies have been done about racial predilection.
• Most studies present mixed results and it can be concluded that no specific race is predisposed to develop paraphilia.

Risk Factors

• Noxious child-rearing experiences, non-sexual and sexual both
• Childhood emotional abuse
• Childhood sexual abuse

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

• Patients with paraphilias have high chances of relapse.
• After 15 years, pedophiles attracted to boys are likely to commit the crime again (35%) as compared to those attracted to girls (16%).
• Good prognostic factors are
  • Early treatment
  • Individuals with good ego strength and high motivation for treatment
  • Patients with normal adult sexual experiences
• Poor prognostic factors are
  • Coexisting mental disorders
  • Early-onset of paraphilic behaviors
  • Lack of remorse for their behaviors
  • Substance misuse
  • Pedophilia with a sexual interest in boys
• The risk of recurrence depends on
  • Static risk factors (history of sexual abuse) - The factors that do not change during treatment
  • Dynamic risk factors (impulsivity, hypersexuality, or personality disorders) - These can be addressed during psychotherapy

Comorbidities

Various comorbid conditions exist with paraphilias like

• Major Depressive Disorder
• Anxiety disorders
• Substance abuse
• Erotomania
• Suicidality
• Gender identity disorder
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Mental Retardation
• Antisocial Personality Disorder
• Personality change due to General Medical Condition

Diagnosis

DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria

• Following conditions have been described in the chapter on Paraphilia

1. Exhibitionistic Disorder
2. Fetishistic Disorder
3. Frotteuristic Disorder
4. Paedophilic Disorder
5. Sexual Masochism Disorder
6. Sexual Sadism Disorder
7. Voyeuristic Disorder
8. Transvestic Disorder
9. Other specified Paraphilic Disorder
10. Unspecified Paraphilic Disorder

Voyeuristic Disorder

• A. Over a minimum period of six months, the existence of recurrent and intense sexual arousal from observing an unsuspected naked person.
• B. Action has been taken on the urges with a non-consenting person, or significant distress/ socio-occupational functioning impairment is caused by these sexual urges or fantasies.
• C. The individual is at least 18 years old.

Specify if:

• In a controlled environment(the individual is living in an institution etc).
• In full remission (individual has not acted on these urges and has not resulted in distress over the last 5 years, while in an uncontrolled environment).

Exhibitionistic Disorder

• A. Over a minimum period of six months, the existence of recurrent and intense sexual arousal from exposure of one's genitals to an unsuspected person.
• B. Action has been taken on these urges with a non-consenting person, or significant distress/ socio-occupational functioning impairment is caused by these sexual urges or fantasies.

Specify whether:

• Sexually aroused by exposing genitals to the prepubertal children.
• Sexually aroused by exposing genitals to physically mature individuals.
• Sexually aroused by exposing genitals to the prepubertal children as well as physically mature individuals.

Specify if:

• In a controlled environment(the individual is living in an institution etc).
• In full remission (individual has not acted on these urges and has not resulted in distress over the last 5 years, while in an uncontrolled environment).

Frotteuristic Disorder

• A. Over a minimum period of six months, the existence of recurrent and intense sexual arousal from touching or rubbing against a non-consenting person, as manifested by fantasies, or behavior.
• B. Action has been taken on these urges with a non-consenting person, or significant distress/ socio-occupational functioning impairment is caused by these sexual urges or fantasies.

Specify if:

• In a controlled environment(the individual is living in an institution etc).
• In full remission (individual has not acted on these urges and has not resulted in distress over the last 5 years, while in an uncontrolled environment).

Sexual Masochism Disorder

• A. Over a minimum period of six months, the existence of recurrent and intense sexual arousal from being beaten, bound, humiliated, or made to suffer; is manifested in the form of fantasies, urges, or behaviors.
• B. Significant distress/ socio-occupational functioning impairment is caused by these sexual urges or fantasies.

Specify if: With asphyxiophilia: If the individual experiences sexual arousal due to restriction of breathing.

Specify if:

• In a controlled environment(the individual is living in an institution etc).
• In full remission (individual has not acted on these urges and has not resulted in distress over the last 5 years, while in an uncontrolled environment).

Sexual Sadism Disorder

• A. Over a minimum period of six months, the existence of recurrent and intense sexual arousal from the psychological or physical suffering of another person; is manifested in the form of urges, fantasies, or behaviors.
• B. Significant distress/ socio-occupational functioning impairment is caused by these sexual urges or fantasies.

Specify if:

• In a controlled environment(the individual is living in an institution etc).
• In full remission (individual has not acted on these urges and has not resulted in distress over the last 5 years, while in an uncontrolled environment).

Pedophilic Disorder

• A. Over a minimum period of six months, the existence of recurrent and intense sexually arousing fantasies, urges, or behavior involving sexual activity with a child or many children of age 13 or younger.
• B. Significant distress/ interpersonal difficulty is caused by these sexual urges or fantasies, or the individual has acted on these sexual urges.
• C. The individual is at least 16 years old and a minimum of 5 years older than the child.

Specify whether:

• Exclusive type (attracted to children only).
• Non-exclusive type.

Specify if:

• Sexually attracted to males only.
• Sexually attracted to females only.
• Sexually attracted to both.

Specify if:

• Limited to incest.

Fetishistic Disorder

• A. Over a minimum period of six months, the existence of recurrent and intense sexually arousing fantasies, urges, or behavior from the use of non-living objects, or a focus on non-genital body part/parts.
• B. Significant distress/ socio-occupational functioning impairment is caused by these sexual urges or fantasies, or behavior.
• C. The fetish objects are not limited to clothing or objects designed for tactile genital stimulation.

Specify if:

• Body part/parts.
• Non-living object/objects.
• Other.

Specify if:

• In a controlled environment(the individual is living in an institution etc).
• In full remission (individual has not acted on these urges and has not resulted in distress over the last 5 years, while in an uncontrolled environment).

Transvestic Disorder

• A. Over a minimum period of six months, the existence of recurrent and intense sexually arousing fantasies, urges, or behavior from cross-dressing.
• B. Significant distress/ socio-occupational functioning impairment is caused by these sexual urges or fantasies, or behavior.

Specify if:

• With fetishism.
• With autogynephilia - Sexual arousal by thoughts or images of self as a female.

Specify if:

• In a controlled environment(the individual is living in an institution etc).
• In full remission (individual has not acted on these urges and has not resulted in distress over the last 5 years, while in an uncontrolled environment).

Other Specified Paraphilic Disorder

• Significant distress/ socio-occupational functioning impairment is caused by the symptoms characteristic of a paraphilic disorder but does not completely fulfill the criteria of any of the categories in the Paraphilic Disorders.

Unspecified Paraphilic Disorder

• Used in the conditions where the clinician chooses not to mention the reason that the criteria are not fulfilled for a specific paraphilic disorder.

Treatment

• A treatment plan comprising of psychotherapy, and/or pharmacotherapy is usually needed to suppress the paraphiliac fantasies and behaviors.
• The treatment depends on the intensity and frequency of paraphiliac sexual fantasies as well as the risk of sexual violence.
• The very severe conditions may lead to sexual offenses, like rape and it is necessary to manage such patients aggressively with hormonal intervention.
• The treatment regime consists of six levels with escalating degrees of medical intervention, based on the severity of the disorder.

Pharmacotherapy

• Three main classes of medications used in paraphilias are antidepressants, hormones, and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs.
• Treatment of comorbidities is very important to improve the quality of life.
• Treatment with antiandrogens has the drawback that it may increase psychotic symptoms and depression risk.

Antidepressants

• Antidepressants are used to treat paraphilias because of their action on involved neurotransmitters. The mechanism of action is supported by the monoamine hypothesis.
• The comorbidities such as obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders share the dysfunction of similar neurotransmitters. Therefore, antidepressants can treat both the disorders simultaneously.
• Antidepressants commonly used are
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors(SSRI) such as Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, and Escitalopram act on serotonergic (5-HT2) receptors and have become the standard of care. Additionally, SSRIs treat the comorbid conditions like depression, OCD, or anxiety disorders.
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants(TCA) such as Imipramine, Clomipramine, and Desipramine.

Hormones

• Estrogen
• Steroid antiandrogens
  • Medroxyprogesterone- It is synthetic progesterone and acts by reducing the testosterone levels. They act by suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, reducing the Luteinizing hormone(LH) release and further compromising the androgen production.
  • Cyproterone acetate is a synthetic steroid, similar in structure to progesterone. It acts as an antiandrogen by binding to androgen receptors and reducing the cellular uptake of testosterone.

Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone Analogue (GnRH Analogue)

• They reduce the circulating testosterone, in turn, reducing aggression and hypersexuality.

Psychotherapy

• In subjects that are not at high risk of victimization, cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) is the first-line treatment.
• CBT addresses the cognitive distortions, along with empathy training, relapse prevention, sexual impulse control training, and biofeedback.

Combined Pharmacotherapy and Psychotherapy

• The combination therapy has a better response compared to either therapy used alone.

Very few evidence-based treatment options are available for a complex condition like paraphilia, and further research is warranted to effectively prevent the relapses.