The realm of psychology is diverse and involves a number of disorders, their causes and consequences, along with a potential course of treatment. While many psychological disorders are quite well-known, such as narcissism, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, other conditions might be heard of but are not necessarily analyzed by many; among the mental disorders, the ones that are referred to as paraphilias. The reason why these conditions require much research is due to the harmful nature of some of the disorders. Thus, paraphilic disorders are not uncommon and might be dangerous if proper treatment is not obtained in a timely manner and if it involves people who did not give their consent.
First, making the distinction between paraphilias and paraphilic conditions is crucial. Paraphilia is a sexual attraction that is unusual or abnormal (Baruch 94). Paraphilic condition is a sexual disorder that has resulted in personal injury or the potential for harm to others or one that inflicts anguish and trauma on the person (Baruch 94). Eight unique paraphilic diseases are listed in DSM-V: Voyeuristic Disorder, Fetishistic Disorder, Exhibitionistic Disorder, Frotteuristic Disorder, Sexual Masochism Disorder, Sadistic Disorder, Paedophilic Disorder, Trasvestic Fetishism (Baruch 95). In this sense, the majority of the time, paraphilias are not dangerous if they manifest in less severe forms and are within the law, despite the fact that many might find them repulsive and unnatural.
However, if the behavior is causing considerable discomfort, is unlawful, interferes with a healthy relationship, and in cases when another person has not given consent. For instance, paedophilic disorder, exhibitionistic disorder, voyeuristic disorder, and frotteuristic disorder involve other unconsenting parties and violate other people’s human rights. In turn, sexual masochism disorder, sadistic disorder, and transvestic fetishism might not involve non-consenting people or violation of rights.
Though some paraphilias might involve two consenting adults, they might still cause harm. For example, partial asphyxiation is a masochistic behavior that can be dangerous and even deadly. Thus, even if it involves two consenting adults, it can still pose a threat to someone’s health. Moreover, paraphilia can be dangerous even if a person is not involved. For instance, people with fetishistic disorder have sexual impulses related to inanimate items. While seeking sexual gratification, one can strangle oneself or cause other types of harm through either clothes or other items that constitute their fetish. Finally, paraphilia can be dangerous in cases when the person with the disorder does not consider their tendency harmful. A weakened or absent ability for loving, mutual romantic, and psychological connection with a willing partner may be present in people with paraphilic disorders (Baruch 94). Consequently, examples of paedophilic, sadistic, or exhibitionistic disorder might result in either physical or psychological traumas of the victims, even if the mentally ill person does not believe it to be wrong.
Hence, paraphilic disorders are prevalent, and if adequate care is not promptly received or if it includes individuals without their consent, it might be harmful. Among dangerous paraphilic disorders are paedophilic disorder, exhibitionistic disorder, voyeuristic disorder, and frotteuristic disorder. In turn, there is disorders that might not necessarily cause harm if it involves consent. Still, if it involves unsafe activities, such as partial asphyxiation, it can pose a threat to one’s health. Paraphilia can additionally be dangerous, such as fetishism, even if another person is not involved. Lastly, some disorders might be harmful if a person with the disorder does not believe it to be dangerous, which involves paedophilic, sadistic, or exhibitionistic disorders.
Work Cited
Baruch, Ilinca. “Paraphilic Disorders.” International Journal of Advanced Studies in Sexology, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 94-97, 2020. Web.