Most other paraphilias are variants or combinations of common paraphilias, with some distinctive characteristics that have led to their being given individual names. Some unnamed paraphilias are very individualistic and involve elaborate rituals…

Sexual sadism, according to DSM-IV, involves “over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving acts (real, not simulated) in which the psychological or physical suffering…

DSM-IV defines sexual masochism as intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors, recurrent over a period of at least 6 months, “involving the act (real, not simulated) of being humiliated, beaten, bound, or otherwise…

Pedophilia, according to DSM-IV, involves “over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving sexual activity with a prepubescent child or children (generally age 13 years or…

Voyeurism is the counterpart of exhibitionism, in which the man repeatedly watches unsuspecting persons undressing or engaging in sexual activity. Usually the target is female, and the man masturbates while watching. What distinguishes this as a…

In exhibitionism, the sexually arousing fantasies involve exposing the genitals to an unsuspecting stranger. Almost always, this involves a heterosexual male exposing his penis to an adolescent or adult woman. However, this disorder may be underreported…

Frotteurism involves unsuspecting or nonconsenting partners; the sexual fantasy or arousal focuses on surreptitious touching or rubbing. Typically, the man may touch or fondle erogenous zones of the target female such as buttocks, breasts, thighs, or…

Transvestic fetishism is diagnosed only in heterosexual males who experience intense sexual urges and sexually arousing fantasies involving cross-dressing. Usually the men report episodes of actual cross-dressing associated with sexual arousal and masturbation. They may…