DSM-IV Axis I Comorbidity Study of Males (n=120) with Paraphilias and Paraphilia-Related Disorders

• NCJ Number: 197603
• Journal: Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2002 Pages: 349-366
• Author(s): Martin P. Kafka; John Hennen
• Editor(s): Connie Isaac
• Date Published: October 2002
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

To extending previous research studies, this study examined the prevalence of lifetime Axis I disorders in a sample of paraphilias (PAs) and paraphilia-related disorders (PRDs) utilizing the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV criteria (DSM-IV).

Abstract

Paraphilias (PAs) as defined in American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) III and IV are sexual disorders characterized by repetitive, socially deviant expressions of intensified sexual arousal and associated behaviors. Like PAs, paraphilic-related disorders (PRDs) must be associated with significant distress or impairment and persist for least 6 months to meet a diagnostic threshold. PRDs are commonly identified with compulsive masturbation, pornography dependence, protracted promiscuity, telephone sex dependence, and severe sexual desire incompatibility. This study assessed PAs and PRDs for certain developmental variables and DSM-IV defined Axis I comorbidity. Data were collected from 120 consecutively evaluated, voluntary outpatient males, age 17 to 65 seeking treatment for principal diagnoses of PAs and PRDs. All participants completed a semi-structured Intake Questionnaire containing an extensive checklist of symptoms designed to detect the lifetime prevalence of DSM-IV Axis I mood, anxiety, psychoactive substance abuse, impulse NOS, and conduct disorder. Results indicate that the most common hypersexual disorders were the PRDs compulsive masturbation, pornography dependence, and protracted promiscuity and the PAs, especially exhibitionism, pedophilia, and voyeurism. The PA group differed significantly from the PRD group in demographic and developmental variables including physical abuse. The most commonly diagnosed comorbid DSM-IV Axis disorders were mood disorders, especially dysthymic disorder early onset subtype and major depression. Despite study limitations, it is plausible that socially deviant sexual arousal or PAs could be correlated with other Axis I comorbid disorders associated with socially deviant behavior such as mood disorders, substance abuse, ADHD, and conduct disorder. References