Frotteuristic Disorder

Frotteuristic Disorder is the recurrent and intense sexual arousal that comes from touching or rubbing against a nonconsenting person, usually manifested by fantasies, urges, and behaviors. It needs to last for a duration of at least 6 months. The prevalence of this disorder is up to 30% in adult males. (Martins, 2021) Not only is this a criminal activity because of it being a form of non-consensual sex, but frotteurism is also a diagnosed mental health disorder when the urge causes clinically significant distress and impairment in the occupational, social life, and personal relationships if acted on. Some theories regarding the cause of frotteurism ultimately remain unknown. Risk factors may include factors such as hypersexuality or the preoccupation with sex in the form of unusually frequent and intense urges. There may be comorbidity with other paraphilias such as voyeurism and exhibitionism, as well as depression, anxiety, brain injury, and substance use disorders. A history of sexual abuse may also play a role in the development of frotteurism, the signs would usually appear at an early age in this case. Individuals are usually arrested for harassment or sexual assault before receiving treatment, they otherwise would not get treatment on their own, usually. The standard treatment includes medication and psychotherapy. Medication usually includes hormones and certain antidepressants that are used to help diminish sexual desire. Behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapy and relaxation training is also used to help manage sexual urges and to redirect thoughts to more appropriate ones in order to manage inappropriate sexual impulses and behaviors.