How do sexual paraphilias develop? Can they be healthy to have and experience in moderation?

Question

Specifically sexual paraphilias. A-typical attractions to situations and objects.

Answer 1

It really depends on the type of paraphilia we're talking about, since it runs the gamut from a little kinky to downright freaky. As long as the compulsion or attraction involved doesn't hurt anyone, is consensual and involves adults, what you do in the privacy of your own home is your business, and whatever does the trick for you is fine. Although sexual paraphilias affect primarily white men in the 15-25 age range, it's not to say that women or anyone older are immune to them.

Some paraphilias last for only a few months, and the compulsion is typically an additional requirement for sexual satisfaction. The actual cause is not clearly understood, though some psychologists suggest it involves impulse control or possibly a subset of obsessive compulsive disorder. There are a number of psychotherapeutic options available to treat paraphilia, as well as medications in the antidepressant, antiandrogen (suppress sexual urges) and mood stabilizer categories. Ultimately, it is between you and your doctor to determine what, if any, action needs to be taken. Only if the paraphiliac tendencies are interfering with daily routine or with normal social interaction should you really NEED treatment, but since many afflicted patients tend to hide their condition for fear of being labelled, it can lead to depression or even in some cases suicidal tendencies. Bottom line: if it's just a little kinky, I wouldn't worry about it, but if you can't date a woman because you can't make it to the end of the evening without feeling compelled to try to eat her socks , you might want to see someone about that.

Answer 2

Many are anchored to specific things that happened in our pasts during our sexual adolescence. They may also be linked to trauma that we've experienced and have yet to deal with emotionally.