Paraphilia refers to psychosexual disorder that is characterized by intense and recurrent sexual urges, fantasies and behaviors that involve unacceptable sexual content. They are the sexual correspondent of compulsions and obsessions. The content of common fantasies can occur occasionally in the sexual imagery of people who have conventional sexualities .
There are some problems associated with the treatment of people with paraphilia; patients can be homicidal, gravely disabled or suicidal if they feel confronted or exposed. They can also be dangerous to themselves, other people and are not able to take care of themselves. Avoidance and counter transference of the patient can be a problem in the treatment of paraphilia using individual expressive-supportive psychotherapy. Denial in people with paraphilia is also a problem in the treatment of paraphilia using the group therapy method .
Paraphilia is an unceasing condition that people can learn to control. The treatment for the various types of paraphilia are the same, however, some modifications can be made in relation to the different contents.
Medications that lessen the level of testosterone may be used to lower the intensity of the sexual desires and enhance self-control. Group treatment and individual psychotherapy can examine matters concerning paraphilia`s origin and effects on the lifestyle and personality improvement of an individual. Behavioral and cognitive techniques are preferential; generally, it is believed that psychodynamic approaches are not effectual. Orgasmic reconditioning is another technique that is applied by therapists. It involves reconditioning patients to a more suitable stimulus by masturbating to their distinctive, less generally tolerable stimulus. Just before the orgasm, they are told to concentrate on a socially accepted fantasy. This is done severally before the orgasm until the patients start their masturbating fantasies with the suitable stimulus. Medications administered include; antidepressants, ant androgens, mood stabilizers and long acting gonadotropin-releasing hormones .
Many people believe that paraphilia develop in people who are unable to develop relationships; therefore, most therapists apply social skills training in order to provide treatment these patients. Most training groups teach essential sexual education, which is very useful to the patients .
Works Cited
Armenian Medical Network. "Paraphilias." 12 June 2009. Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders. 12 June 2009 <http://www.health.am/psy/paraphilia>.
Brannon, Guy E. "Paraphilias Treatment & Management." 12 November 2012. Medscape. 12 November 2012 <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/291419-treatment>.
