Distinguishes between paraphilias and paraphilic disorders— which are considered harmful sexual behaviors.
To be considered a disorder, it must be recurrent—that is, occurring over a period of at least 6 months.
Paraphilias are a group of sexual behaviors or interests that are considered unconventional or unusual. They involve sexual arousal and fantasies that tend to revolve around atypical or non-human objects, activities, or body parts. Some examples of paraphilias include fetishism, exhibitionism, voyeurism, and sadomasochism.
On the other hand, paraphilic disorders are a subset of paraphilias that are considered harmful, compulsive, and distressing to the individual or others. These are persistent and intense sexual desires, fantasies, or behaviors that persist for at least six months and often interfere with daily life and normal relationships. Examples of paraphilic disorders include pedophilia, sexual sadism disorder, exhibitionistic disorder, and others.
The key difference between paraphilias and paraphilic disorders is that the latter causes significant harm, distress, or impairment to the individual or others, and may lead to legal or social consequences. While many people with paraphilic interests and behaviors may function well in society and have healthy relationships, those with paraphilic disorders require psychiatric evaluation and treatment to address their harmful sexual behaviors.
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