Exhibitionism is a sexual disorder. People with this disorder are sexually aroused by showing their sexual organs to strangers. People who have this disorder may masturbate while they expose themselves, but do not usually seek physical contact.
While often joked about, this disorder is very serious and can be frightening to the victim.
The exact cause of this disorder is not known. Experts think it may be caused by differences in the brain or nervous system. It might also be related to things such as child abuse or a family history of mental illness.
Most exhibitionists are male. Although this disorder can be a life-long problem if not treated, it often becomes less severe by age 40.
Symptoms of this disorder include:
Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms, relationships, medical history, and substance abuse history. He or she will also ask if you or someone close to you has a history of mental illness. Your provider may also do a physical exam and order tests to rule out medical conditions as a cause of your symptoms.
You may be diagnosed with exhibitionism if the fantasies, urges, or behaviors cause you distress or keep you from being able to function in school, on the job, or in relationships.
Different kinds of conditioning therapy can be effective ways to treat this disorder. In biofeedback therapy, you are connected to a machine that gives you feedback with light or sound. You try to keep feedback within a certain range while you are exposed to sexually exciting material.
In covert sensitization, you first relax and picture scenes that excite you. Then you imagine something negative, such as getting your penis stuck in the zipper of your pants.
With assisted aversive conditioning, the negative event is real rather than imagined. For example, your therapist sprays a bad smell such as ammonia in the air. The goal is for you to link your actions with something negative and avoid both.
Empathy training can help you understand how your victims feel. Two kinds of medicines may be used to treat this disorder:
Many mild forms of exhibitionism are considered normal in our culture. Young children may try to shock others by showing their genitals or underwear. This is usually a passing phase. It calls for professional treatment only if it keeps on.
If your symptoms are seriously interfering with your daily life, seek help from your health care provider or a mental health therapist. Many people with this disorder do not get help until they are caught by the police and the court orders treatment. If you or someone you care about is an exhibitionist, get help from a mental health professional early.
The following may help you:
For more information, contact the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) or the National Mental Health Association (NMHA).
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIA File BHV3327F.HTM Release 9.0/2006
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