Fetish & Paraphilia – Same or Different?

What Is a Fetish?

A fetish is described as a form of sexual desire in which gratification is linked, to an abnormal degree, to a particular object, item of clothing, part of the body, etc.

A paraphilia is described as sexual interests in objects, situations, or individuals that are atypical or extreme. A Paraphilic Disorder is described as having an additional experience of distress or impairment in functioning.

The main difference between a paraphilia and a fetish, is that a paraphilia is much more extreme and harmful than a fetish. A fetish can become a paraphilia if the attraction becomes obsessive or harmful.

Paraphilias can include sexual behaviours that society may view as distasteful, unusual or abnormal. The most common are pedophilia (sexual focus on children), exhibitionism (exposure of genitals to strangers), voyeurism (observing private activities of unaware victims) and frotteurism (touching, rubbing against a non-consenting person), while fetishism (use of inanimate objects), sexual masochism (being humiliated or forced to suffer), sexual sadism (inflicting humiliation or suffering) and transvestic disorder (sexually arousing cross-dressing) are far less common as paraphilias. Perhaps because they are becoming more widely acknowledged.

Some paraphilias have more than one term to describe them, and some terms overlap with others. But the list is quite extensive.  Anil Aggrawal, a professor of Forensic Medicine, once compiled a list of over 500 terms describing paraphilic sexual interests. He did explain that not all of these have necessarily been seen in clinical setups. Not because they don’t exist, but because they are so harmless that they are never brought to the attention of a doctor or are dismissed by them.

Just like allergies, sexual arousal may occur from anything under the sun, including the sun.

Most of the listed names for paraphilias are used in medical contexts only, due to their Greek or Latin origin.

Summary

The above list is, by no means, exhaustive.  More details can be found here.

There seems to be many overlaps in definitions and one can easily become another.  It’s very important to control any fetish and seek help when it starts to consume you or harm others.  Communication is key!  If you or someone you know is affected by a Paraphilic disorder then please speak to your nearest mental health professional or general practitioner for advice.

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