In a narrow sense, sexual deviation (paraphilia) is a mental illness when sexual arousal and / or orgasm is achieved through atypical or socially prohibited activities. In a broader sense, this is any deviation from the generally accepted norm of sexual behavior. There are many types of disorders due to erotic relationships. As a rule, they are called various "branches" - special addictions, inclinations to something.
The main types of paraphilia
Conditionally, sexual deviations are classified by object and by the method of realization of attraction. In the first case, fantasy or arousal appears in relation to an unconventional object; in the second, the method of removing sexual arousal is atypical.
The following types of paraphilia are distinguished according to the object of attraction:
- homosexuality - craving for the representatives of the same sex, it happens both female and male;
- bestiality - sexual arousal from an imaginary or real intercourse with animals;
- pedophilia - sexual attraction to children;
- genderophilia - attraction to the elderly;
- fetishism - excitement at the sight of any object or from the possession of it;
- incest - excitement from a real or imagined relationship with a blood relative.
The following types of deviation are most common, depending on how you satisfy sexual desire:
- sadomasochism - the pleasure of causing bodily harm, dominance in relationships (sadism), or of their receipt and the role of the victim (masochism);
- satyriasis and nymphomania - increased sexual excitability in men and women, respectively;
- exhibitionism - an unbearable desire for public exposure of the genitals;
- voyeurism - the excitement of peeping at the sexual intercourse of other people, or from the process of exposure;
- escaudarism - the achievement of sexual pleasure from listening to the sounds accompanying sexual intercourse.
There are many other deviations in the field of sex: masturbation, petting, transvestism, early sex life. Listing them all does not make sense. It is much more important to understand what underlies such abnormal behavior.
Causes of paraphilia
The exact causes of sexual deviation are not fully understood. In addition to deviations in the psyche, heredity, and disruptions of the endocrine system, and even pathology and brain injury can play a role. Quite often, the impetus for the development of paraphilia is deviations in the process of development and education, including sexual one. However, it is not possible to single out one specific reason for the violation of sexual addiction. They often talk about a complex of interrelated factors when the appearance of deviant forms of behavior is preceded by the formation of reflex connections in response to any sexual stimulus during puberty and the onset of puberty.
The danger of sexual deviations
The degree of manifestation of paraphilia is different. Some types of deviation do not cause others special discomfort and, by and large, concern only their representatives (homosexuality). Others can be regarded as causing moral damage, or violating the rules of decency, but generally quite harmless (exhibitionism, voyeurism). Still others can pose a real threat to the life and safety of others and are prosecuted by law (pedophilia, incest).
There is a very fine line between the definitions of norm and deviation. One and the same action can be regarded in different ways. For example, any sexual acts with the mutual consent of partners can be considered a norm, but the same actions, accompanied by coercion, discomfort of one of the parties, or used as a means of punishment, suppression, will be considered from the position of deviations.
Paraphilia Treatment
A person experiencing an abnormal craving for something may experience problems in relationships with his family, with public understanding, with self-recognition. And yet, in most cases, sexual deviation does not require any medical intervention.
Only in situations where unusual addictions interfere with normal life, lead to isolation from society, provoke feelings of guilt and suicidal intentions, can we talk about the need for treatment. However, we are not talking about the correction of sexual behavior and not about the elimination of "addictive" addiction, but rather about the acceptance by the individual of himself, his personality, especially his sexual behavior.
Treatment aimed at suppressing deviation will take place only in cases where a person cannot control his sexual inclinations and begins to cause others inconvenience, or even pose a danger to their health and life.