People with fetishistic disorder use non-sexual body parts or inanimate items over and over again to get sexually aroused. Fetishized things are often clothing items, like shoes or underwear, and fetishized body parts are often one’s feet or hair. Fetishes are only considered a mental disease when they cause a lot of pain, problems, or harm to the person having them or to others.
The most common way for a psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychotherapist to identify fetischistic disorder is for the person with the disorder to report their own symptoms. Talking to your partner and getting help from a licensed mental health worker can help you get better.
What is a Fetish?
A desire is using or being dependent on a nonliving thing over and over again. in order to get sexual pleasure, like shoes or leather and/or a body part that isn’t usually sexual, like hair or feet.
A lot of the time, sexual fetishes involve both inanimate items and body parts (like latex legs and boots feet). Any or all of the senses, such as touch, smell, or appearance, may be aroused by the fetish item. People may also build up large collections of fetish items over time.
There are two main types of fetishes that involve lifeless objects: form fetishes and media fetishes. Form fetishes are about how big, round, or pretty something is, while media fantasies are about how something feels or looks.
Something can fit into more than one category. For example, a rubber fetish fits into both categories because latex has a certain look and feel. In order to get sexual pleasure, a person’s fetish may focus on the shape or media of an item more than other parts.
Are Fetishes Normal?
Yes, having a sexual fetish is okay, and a lot of people do. Having fetishes is not inherently bad or wrong, and they can be enjoyed in a sexual relationship where both people agree to them. Fetishes can show up at any time, but for most people, the first time they notice them is during or after puberty. During age, they may change.
Kink Vs. Fetish
Some people use the words “kink” and “obsession” interchangeably, but a “kink” is a sexual preference that isn’t as common (though this is subjective), but someone doesn’t need to have this preference met to enjoy being sexual. However, when someone has a fetish, they usually depend on it to get excited or have an orgasm.
What Is Fetishistic Disorder?
Fetishistic disorder is a type of paraphilic disorder. These disorders happen when a paraphilia causes a lot of pain, makes it hard to do things, or hurts someone. When masturbating, the fetish object can be touched, eaten, smelled, or used to make the genitalia feel good.
It’s possible for people with fetishistic disorder to enjoy sexual activity by themselves, even if they are in a relationship with someone else. Some people may use the fetish object in a sexual relationship, usually by asking their partner to wear or touch the item to get aroused.
When Is a Fetish “Disordered”?
Because most people with fetishistic hobbies don’t cause harm or feel a lot of distress, they wouldn’t be considered to have a disorder. For people with fetishistic disorder, fetish objects are needed or strongly chosen in order to get aroused.
When someone is sexually aroused by a certain item or body part, it’s more likely that fetishism will cause problems in their relationships or other areas of their life. When the desired item or body part is not present, sexual dysfunction is a common problem in people with fetishistic disorder.
How Common Is Fetishistic Disorder?
The exact number of people who meet the clinical criteria for fetishistic disorder is unknown, even though a lot of people have them. This is probably because paraphilias are shamed, looked down upon, and frowned upon in society. It has been found, though, that guys are more likely than women to have this condition.2
Common Types of Fetishes
Fetishes come in a huge range of types. Most of the time, they are found on feet, socks, and shoes. A person can also fetishize their hair, body jewelry, navels, faces, arms, legs, and even the way they wear certain kinds of makeup.
Examples of common fetishes include:
- Lingerie
- Leather
- Certain clothing colors or materials
- Costumes
- Body fluids
- Non-sexual objects used sexually
What Causes Fetishes to Develop?
Fetishes usually start to form when a person hits puberty. There are some theories that say fetishistic interests start when a person connects an item or body part with their first sexual experiences or masturbation.There isn’t enough proof to say for sure what causes or sets off fetishistic disorder.
How to Get Rid of a Fetish: Treatment Options
To deal with fetishistic disorder, there are many ways to cope and steps to take.
If you have fetishistic disorder, here are some things you should do:
- Tell your partner(s) the truth about your sexual thoughts and desires. When you’re not hiding something or being dishonest, your partner is more likely to be understanding and helpful.
- Talk to a licensed sex therapist about your choices for getting better from your compulsive behaviors and mental health problems that happen at the same time.
- Find a group of people who are going through the same things as you or who have been able to control their sexual urges, fantasies, and habits in a healthy way.
- Keep in mind that fetishistic disorder, like most mental illnesses, is better treated the sooner it is recognized and dealt with.
Fetishistic Disorder Vs. Other Disorders
People often mix up fetishistic illness with fetishism or fetishistic behavior. People also mix it up with transvestic disorder and sexual masochism disorder, which are related sexual disorders.