What is Fetishistic Disorder?         

Fetishistic disorder is an excessive sexual feeling or urge towards specific things, materials, or body parts that are not commonly considered sexy/good-looking.

Common examples may include attraction to miscellaneous items like shoes, garments made from particular material leather, or body parts such as feet.

Hence, objects or body parts for the person with this disorder become imperative to enhance sexual arousal and satisfaction. If such emotions or thoughts prove tremendously distressful or problematic in relationships, then it is considered a disorder.

Also, note that lots of people have interests or preferences, but when it disrupts the day-to-day way of life or whenever it poses problems, it may call for professional advice.

Symptoms of Fetishistic Disorder

Symptoms of fetishistic disorder include:

• Strong Urges: This refers to a repeating, uncontrollable desire to attain sexual arousal from the use of specific objects, materials, or body parts.
• Distress: Feelings of anxiety or distress when they can’t get access to the fetish object.
• Relationships: difficulty in forming or keeping romantic relationships because of these urges.
• Time-Consuming: Much precious time is engrossed in thinking about the fetish or relating to it, making ordinary living difficult.

When these symptoms cause a high level of impairment in a person’s sexual life or relationships, then there is likely a fetishistic disorder.

Causes of Fetishistic Disorder

The following are the potential factors that can give rise to the fetishistic disorder:

• Early Experiences: Events that occur in childhood, such as being exposed to certain objects or materials during their formative years, create very strong associations.
• The factor of Psychology: Mainly, it is due to the predisposition of personality traits or any other underlying psychological factor in developing a fetish. Cultural Influences: Both society and the media can decide what will be of interest and produce specific fetishistic attractions.
• Biological factors: Genetic small differences in brain Chemistry could play a role in patterns of sexual attraction.

Treatment of Fetishistic Disorder

Usually, treatment involves talking to a therapist who is going to help one even further understand these feelings. In the process, it may include cognitive behavioral treatment, a kind of therapy that helps individuals know their feelings, thought patterns, or even behaviors that cause them problems.

Medication may be used to lower urges or even anxiety. Treatment aims to make the patient function in society like an average human being, live a full life, and healthily deal with his feelings.

Open communication and understanding from partners also play a big role in recovery. More generally, with the right support, people may be helped to find balance and improve their relationships.

Dr. Rahul Mathur
Consultant Neuropsychiatris