Fetishistic Disorder

What is a Fetish?

A fetish involves the repetitive use of or dependence on a non-living object (such as shoes, leather, or certain materials) and/or a traditionally non-sexual body part (such as feet, hair, or legs) in order to achieve sexual satisfaction.

Sexual fetishes frequently include a combination of inanimate objects and body parts (e.g., legs in latex, feet in boots). The fetish object may create sexual arousal through any or all of the senses, including feel, smell, or appearance. Over time, people may also acquire extensive collections of fetish objects.

Fetishes involving inanimate objects generally fall into two categories:

  • Form fetishes center on the size, shape, and appearance of an object (e.g., a specific style of uniform).
  • Media fetishes focus on the texture or feel of an object (e.g., silk, leather, or rubber).

Common Types and Examples

There are countless kinds of fetishes, with feet, underwear, and shoes being among the most common. Other parts of the body, including hair, navels, noses, arms, and legs, can also be fetishised, as can the wearing of certain kinds of makeup or body piercings.

Examples of other common fetishes include:

  • Lingerie
  • Leather and rubber
  • Certain clothing colours or materials
  • Costumes
  • Body fluids

The Distinction: Fetish vs. Fetishistic Disorder

While many people have fetishes, the presence of a fetish is not inherently a mental disorder. Fetishes only become a clinical mental disorder when they cause significant distress, functional impairment, and/or harm to self or others.

What is Fetishistic Disorder?

Fetishistic Disorder is a subcategory of paraphilic disorders. It is characterized by the persistent and intense sexual arousal from the use of inanimate objects or traditionally non-sexual body parts, resulting in significant distress or impairment in the person’s life.

During sexual activity, including masturbation, the fetish object may be held, tasted, smelled, or used to stimulate the genitals. Some people with the disorder may prefer solitary sexual activity even when in a reciprocal partner relationship. Others may incorporate the fetish object into partnered sexual activity, often by asking a partner to wear or touch the object in order to achieve arousal.

Prevalence and Clinical Approach

The exact prevalence of people meeting the clinical criteria for Fetishistic Disorder is unknown. This is likely due to the shame, stigma, and societal taboo surrounding paraphilias, which prevents many individuals from seeking assessment or treatment.

When a person does seek help, a clinical approach will help explore the onset and context of the symptoms being experienced, especially any changes in the situations or cues that have escalated fetishistic thoughts or urges. The focus is to offer coaching on mindfulness and behavioural techniques that either an individual or couple can explore. Co-occurring psychological conditions, such as mood disorders or hypersexuality, will also be assessed and treated alongside the primary concerns.