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Fetishism
Category
Paraphilias
and Sexual Disorders
Etiology
Like
most disorders in this category, many theories exist in an attempt to
explain how this disorder develops. Most experts agree that there are
underlying issues related to childhood which play a major role in the
etiology.
Symptoms
Fetishism
is characterized by either intense sexually arousing fantasies, urges, or
behaviors in which the individual uses a nonliving object (e.g., womans
high heeled shoe, stockings) in a sexual manner. Typically, the individual
requires this object to become sexually aroused and is therefore unable to
be aroused without it. To be considered diagnosable, the fantasies, urges,
or behaviors must cause significant distress in the individual or be
disruptive to his or her everyday functioning.
Treatment
Treatment
typically involves psychotherapy aimed at uncovering and working through
the underlying cause of the behavior.
Prognosis
Prognosis
is good although often there are other issues which may surface once the
behaviors are extinguished. If this is the case, these issues must be
worked through as well.
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