Frotteuristic Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment DSM-5 302.89 (F65.81)

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)*, Frotteuristic Disorder is when an individual rubs up against or touches another person, resulting in his sexual stimulation. The victim of the Frotteurism does not give permission or approval of the behavior. The touching can be on any part of the other person’s body, including the genital area. The improper behavior usually happens in public areas.

The person with Frotteuristic Disorder may also imagine or daydream about touching or rubbing another person.

*The DSM-5 is published by the American Psychiatric Association.

Signs of Frotteuristic Disorder DSM-5 302.89 F65.81

The signs of Frotteuristic Disorder include the following.

The behavior exists for a minimum of a half year.
He feels a great amount of anxiety from his actions.
There is impairment in the person’s everyday life.

A diagnosis of the disorder is made when the individual has touched or rubbed a person—or more than one–who do not give permission. This behavior must have happened a minimum of three times.

The disorder can be diagnosed in individuals who have had fantasies about touching and rubbing against somebody, but have not acted on their behavior. The diagnosis can be made in people who choose to talk about their imaginings and behaviors, as well as in individuals who disclaim them, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

The signs of Frotteuristic Disorder may begin later in the teenage years. In some teens, the beginning stages may have been with classmates, schoolteachers and members of his family. While these earliest behaviors may not have provided the person with feelings of sexual enjoyment, they may have given him non-sensual, but pleasing feelings.

If the individual has not participated in his fantasies and finds he is not feeling anxious or undergoing any difficulties in his everday life, he is said to have a Frotteuristic sexual interest.

Who is at Risk for Frotteuristic Disorder DSM-5 302.89 F65.81?

About 30 percent of adult men may have been involved in Frotteuristic behavior at some time. The disorder is predominantly in males, who usually gear the behavior toward females. Information about the diagnosis in women is currently not found.

The cause of Frotteuristic Disorder is unknown. There is a belief among experts that the behavior may have resulted first when an individual brushed up or felt another person’s genitalia by accident. This may have led him to feeling sexually aroused. From there, he may have repeated the behavior, strengthening it and continuing it.

What Treatment is Available for Individuals With Frotteuristic Disorder DSM-5 302.89 F65.81?

One of the reasons that it’s difficult to say how many individuals have Frotteuristic Disorder is because, if they do have it, they hardly ever find treatment. They may believe their actions are tolerated or even allowed, and they may think treatment is unnecessary. Others may be too humiliated to talk about it and keep the behavior hidden. Therapy that centers on lessening the person’s sexual desires for Frotteuristic behavior is found to be ideal. The therapist will work with the individual to find the causes of the behavior and help him cope in healthy ways. According to the APA, there have been medications that work well in combination with therapy.

There is a chance that the person who has the disorder—and continues it—can face criminal offenses. (Very often, right after the Frotteuristic behavior is committed, it is hard to find the person because he quickly leaves the scene. In other cases, the individual can be identified and brought up on charges.) Frotteurism is considered sexual assault or battery in most locations, and it can come with severe consequences. The individual can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony criminal offense. However, since it is hard to prove that the individual meant to touch another person, there are many instances where he says the act was unplanned and not intentional. If the person is convicted, he can be made to serve time in jail, as well as be ordered to attend psychiatric treatment and register as a sex offender. On top of that, he may face a civil lawsuit from the other person.

Therapy for the individual with Frotteuristic Disorder is usually longstanding. In addition, he must be watched to ensure his behavior doesn’t continue.

Eight Types of Paraphilias

A paraphilia is described as having aberrant sexual urges that usually include significant or alarming actions. According to the DSM-5, eight paraphilias exist.