Frotteurism
involves intense, recurrent fantasies of, and/or actual touching
and rubbing the genitalia against a non-consenting person, in
association with sexual arousal. The behavior usually occurs in
crowded places, and the individual usually fantasizes an exclusive,
caring relationship with the victim. However, the person generally
tries to escape detection after touching the victim. By definition,
there is significant distress or impairment in social, occupational
or other important areas of functioning. Main disorder characteristics
are:
Repeatedly for at least 6 months, the patient has intense sexual
desires, fantasies or behaviors that involve touching and rubbing
against a person who doesn't consent to this behavior.
This causes clinically important distress or impairs work, social
or personal functioning.
Associated
Features:
Most perpetrators
are aged 15-25 years.
Frotteurism has been noted to be equally common among older,
shy, inhibited individuals.
Differential
Diagnosis:
Some disorders have similar or even the same symptoms. The clinician,
therefore, in his/her diagnostic attempt has to differentiate
against the following disorders which need to be ruled out to
establish a precise diagnosis.
Mental
Retardation
Substance Intoxication
Manic Episode
Schizophrenia
Cause:
Most acts
of frottage occur when the person is between 15 to 25 years of
age, and declines thereafter.
Treatment:
The treatment
of paraphilias in general may involve the use of medications and/or
behavioral therapy.
