Specific Disorders I

Voyeurism: Diagnostic Criteria

Voyeurism disorder is characterized by recurrent and intense sexual arousal derived from observing unsuspecting persons who are nude, undressing, or engaging in sexual activity.

For diagnosis, this behavior or fantasy must persist for at least six months.

A key requirement is age: the individual must be at least 18 years old to be diagnosed with this disorder. The key element is the lack of consent and the victim's element of surprise.

It is not about watching pornography or attending erotic shows where the participants know they are being watched. The pathology lies in the violation of the privacy of others.

The diagnosis is confirmed if the individual has acted on these impulses with non-consenting persons or if the mere presence of these desires causes significant clinical distress or social/occupational impairment.

Exhibitionism: Diagnostic Criteria

Exhibitionism disorder involves the exposure of one's genitalia to unsuspecting persons or strangers.

As with voyeurism, the criteria require a minimum duration of six months of recurrent fantasies or acts.

The arousal does not come from the subsequent sexual contact, but from the victim's reaction (shock, fear or surprise) to the exposure.

It is important to differentiate this from consensual practices in naturalistic contexts or nude beaches.

The disorder is diagnosed when the individual has carried out these urges with people who did not give their permission, or when the internal struggle to control these desires causes severe distress.

Often, this behavior follows a compulsive pattern that the subject feels he or she cannot stop despite legal or social consequences.

Froteurism: Diagnostic Criteria

Froteurism (or rubbing disorder) consists of sexual arousal derived from touching or rubbing the genitals against a person without his or her consent, usually in crowded public places such as public transportation.

The time criterion of six months is maintained to establish the chronicity of the urge. This disorder is particularly invasive as it involves direct physical contact.

The diagnosis applies if the individual has acted on these urges with a non-consenting person or if the urges cause significant functional impairment.

Unlike accidental contact in a crow