Psychology of intimacy

Paraphilia

Alsoparaphiliasparaphilic disorderparaphiliacparaphilic interests

Definition

Paraphilia is a clinical term for an intense and persistent sexual interest in something outside typical sexual interests; it becomes a disorder only when it causes distress or involves harm or non-consenting people.

At a glance

  • A paraphilia is an intense, persistent sexual interest outside typical sexual interests.
  • DSM-5 and ICD-11 separate having an unusual interest from having a paraphilic disorder.
  • Most consensual kinks and fetishes are not considered disorders.
  • ICD-11 focuses paraphilic disorders on non-consent, significant distress or risk.

In detail

Both the DSM-5 and ICD-11 separate having an unusual sexual interest from having a paraphilic disorder. Many consensual interests, including most kinks and fetishes, are not considered disorders when they cause no distress and involve only consenting adults.

ICD-11 limits paraphilic disorders mainly to patterns involving people who have not or cannot consent, or that cause significant distress or risk to the person. This shift reflects research and advocacy showing that consensual kink is not in itself a sign of mental illness.

In a sentence

  • The textbook stresses that a paraphilia is not automatically a disorder.
  • Our lecturer explained how definitions of paraphilia changed between DSM editions.

Where the word comes from

The word combines Greek roots meaning beside and love. It was used by early 20th century sexologists and became the standard clinical term in the DSM-III in 1980, replacing the older label sexual deviation.

Not to be confused with

  • Fetish

    In everyday use a fetish is simply a strong specific interest; paraphilic disorder is a clinical diagnosis with specific criteria.

Common questions

Is having a kink a paraphilic disorder?

No. Both DSM-5 and ICD-11 say that an unusual sexual interest is not a disorder in itself. Consensual interests between adults that cause no distress are not considered disorders.

What makes a paraphilia a disorder?

Broadly, when it involves people who have not or cannot consent, or causes significant distress or risk to the person. Anyone worried about their sexual thoughts or behaviour can seek confidential help from a mental health professional.

Related terms

Sources

  1. World Health OrganizationICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics