Fetishism

What is fetishism?

Fetishism is a paraphilia. According to the DSM 5, there is fetishistic disorder, when there have been "over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent and intense sexual arousal from either the use of nonliving objects or a highly specific focus on nongenital body part(s), as manifested by fantasies, urges, or behaviors." "The fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning." "The fetish objects are not limited to articles of clothing used in cross-dressing (as in transvestic disorder) or devices specifically designed for the purpose of tactile genital stimulation (e.g., vibrator)."

fetishism

Partialism

Partialism is a form a fetishism, with an exclusive focus on a specific part of the body. Seeing or touching this body part is necessary to be sexually excited. One of the most commmon form of partialism is podophilia (foot fetishism).

Two forms of fetishism

In some cases, the fetish is integrated into sexual relations with a partner. In other cases, the fetish is the only object of desire, and the person with fetishism is not interested in engaging in sexual intercourse with an other person.

List of paraphilic disorders

Here is a non-exhaustive list of paraphilic disorders: fetishism, transvestism, sadism, masochism, zoophilia, voyeurism, exhibitionism, frotteurism, pedophilia, necrophilia, urophilia.