The 8 Types Of Paraphilias: Their Classification And Characteristics
Sexuality is an extremely broad concept, but still, there are a number of generalities that apply to most.
However, some behaviors or thoughts escape this scope. This is where paraphilias come in, a phenomenon that we will address here. In the following lines you will find a summary of the main types of paraphiliaswith a classification of the main forms that this type of behavior can take.
Although the main objective of this text is to be able to make a compendium of the different types of paraphilia, it is necessary that we stop for a moment to be able to analyze in greater depth what exactly this concept refers to, which we have all heard at some time but whose definition may not be entirely clear.
Therefore, it is necessary that we define, first of all, what a paraphilia is. A paraphilia is a form of sexual behavior of some individuals in which the arousal does not come from the act itself, but from activities or elements that by themselves would not have to be stimulating on a sexual level.
In this sense, it must be taken into account that some behaviors that in the past were considered some types of paraphilia, today are common sexual practices in a large percentage of the population, such as masturbation or oral sex. However, others have remained atypical forms of sexual arousal.
Even so, There is no closed list of types of paraphilia, since it largely depends on the criteria followed to classify them.. Likewise, different subtypes could be derived from each type, and from them, many specific paraphilias, which can take very particular forms depending on the person, so the list, if considered in an extensive way, could be endless.
In any case, the criterion that we will follow in this article to be able to make a list of the various types of paraphilia is that of the diagnoses associated with paraphilia contemplated in the DSM-5, the diagnostic classification manual of the American Psychiatric Association.
The DSM-5, among many other psychological disorders, contemplates eight main forms of atypical or inappropriate sexual arousal, that is, types of paraphilia. Within these eight, two large groups could be established. One of them would include those in which the anomaly is located in the object of the arousal, and in the other, in the behavior necessary to achieve the arousal.
Below we will describe each of the types of paraphilia included in the DSM-5, but not before remembering that this is not the only possible classification, but only one of them, and that it is also subject to possible changes in perception and diagnosis. that can be carried out over time.
1. Voyeurism disorder
The first on the list of types of paraphilia contemplated in the DSM-5 refers to voyeurism disorder, or what is the same, to sexual arousal coming from watching other people undress or even having intimate relations, without them knowing that others are watching them.
This diagnostic manual specifies that, for this condition to be met, the individual who finds excitement in voyeurism must be of legal age and must have been feeling this desire for at least six months. Furthermore, another criterion to meet is to have practiced voyeurism at least once, or that the desire is causing suffering that interferes with some facet of her life.
2. Exhibitionism disorder
Another type of paraphilia that we find in the DSM-5 is exhibitionism disorder. In contrast to the previous one, In this case, the excitement does not come from seeing other people naked, but from others seeing one’s intimate areas, without consent.that is, suddenly.
The DSM-5 also makes a distinction between types of exhibitionism, depending on whether the person in question is aroused by showing their genitals to adults, children, or all types of people, regardless of their age or sexual maturity.
Likewise, establishes as criteria having suffered from this desire for a minimum of six months and having practiced it at some time or suffering discomfort due to the uncontrollable desire.. These criteria will be repeated in all types of paraphilia disorders, according to said diagnostic manual.
3. Froteurism disorder
Another type of paraphilia that we find on this list is froteurism disorder. This word comes from French and refers to the action of rubbing. And it is precisely rubbing against others (with one’s own genital area) in an unexpected way for them and without their consent. These types of actions usually take place in crowded spaces, such as some types of public transport.
Furthermore, this form of paraphilia can occur in combination with others, which means that the person who is excited by froteurism may also be excited by other types of paraphilia that we are describing here.
4. Sexual masochism disorder
One of the best-known types of paraphilia that is included in the APA diagnostic manual is sexual masochism disorder. In this case, Individuals with this condition find sexual arousal primarily in those intimate acts in which they are humiliated, caused pain, or lack control..
These people may enjoy situations in which they are tied, beaten or tortured to have sexual relations. Among the types of paraphilia, this stands out for being the one that is diagnosed in the most women of all of them.
5. Sexual sadism disorder
In contrast to the previous one, there is the sexual sadism disorder, which would be one of the types of paraphilia that would fit as the opposite of masochism. In this case, the person who has said diagnosis, He gets excited being the one who dominates, humiliates and even causes pain to the other person, while they have intimate relationships..
These individuals enjoy tying up their sexual partners and maintaining absolute control of the situation, making them see it. It is the suffering of the other throughout the sexual act that motivates the excitement of these people.
6. Pedophilia disorder
Continuing with the types of paraphilia, we come to the disorder of pedophilia, consisting of sexual arousal with children. To fit this diagnosis, the DSM-5 establishes the criteria of being at least 16 years old, the sexual victim being at least 5 years younger than the aggressor, and having experienced said paraphilia for at least 6 months.
People who fit this picture usually have a very clear preference regarding the type of victim that arouses their sexual arousal.l. Furthermore, some studies indicate that victims of childhood sexual abuse may be more likely to abuse other people in the future.
7. Fetishism disorder
The case of fetishism disorder represents one of the broadest types of paraphilia, since it technically refers to sexual arousal due to a specific element that is present during sexual acts, but can be of a very diverse scope. It can refer to a specific type of clothing, both for him and his sexual partner.
Also to the use of certain objects or elements when maintaining relationships. It can even refer to excitement when being intimate with people who have very specific physical characteristics, which may even be bodily alterations.
The extension of the term fetish is so broad that it is difficult to establish certain limits when considering what is and what is not one of these elements. and therefore what belongs to this category within the types of paraphilia that we are reviewing.
8. Other paraphilic disorder specified or not
The last of all types of paraphilia would actually be two different categories in the DSM-5. The first refers to another type of specified paraphilic disorder, that is, one that can be described and recorded in some way, while the other option refers to some paraphilic disorder that is not actually specified.
Therefore, This diagnostic manual leaves the category open for cases in which the psychologist is faced with the case of a person who clearly shows sexual behavior that could be classified as one of the types of paraphilia. but not those that have a specific category in the DSM-5, but a different one.
