What is Frotteuristic Disorder?

Frotteuristic Disorder is a condition where a person has intense, recurring urges to touch or rub against a non-consenting person. This often happens in crowded places like buses or subways.

The person with this disorder may feel a strong sense of excitement or pleasure from these actions.  It typically begins in adolescence and affects more males than females.

It’s important to note that this disorder is harmful and invasive to others. Seeking help from a mental health professional is crucial for those struggling with this disorder.

Symptoms of Frotteuristic Disorder

Symptoms of Frotteuristic Disorder include having strong, repeated urges to touch or rub against someone who hasn’t agreed to it. These urges often happen in crowded places like buses, trains, or busy streets. The person may feel a lot of excitement or pleasure from these actions.

Other signs include:

• The person engages in this behavior regularly, not just once or twice.
• They may seek out crowded places where they can act on their urges.
• The behavior causes significant stress, guilt, or problems in their daily life, like at work or in social situations.
• They might try to hide their actions or make excuses for their behavior.

Causes of Frotteuristic Disorder

There are some factors that can be the reason for this disorder:

• Inappropriate sexual experiences during childhood or adolescence can influence later behavior.
• Growing up in an environment where boundaries are not respected or where inappropriate behavior is tolerated can increase the risk.
• Some individuals may have underlying mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, that contribute to the development of the disorder.

Treatment of Frotteuristic Disorder

Treating Frotteuristic Disorder involves a combination of therapies and sometimes medications to help manage the urges and reduce harmful behavior:

• Certain medications can help reduce sexual urges and compulsive behaviors.
• Learning techniques to avoid situations where the behavior might happen, such as avoiding crowded places, can help.
• Understanding the disorder and its impact can motivate individuals to seek help and stick with treatment.

Seeking help from a doctor is crucial for effective treatment and improving quality of life.

Dr. Rahul Mathur
Consultant Neuropsychiatris