Do I Have Exhibitionistic Disorder?

Do you experience recurrent and intense sexual arousal from the exposure of your genitals to an unsuspecting person, as manifested by fantasies, urges or behaviors over a period of at least 6 months?

Have you acted on these sexual urges with a non-consenting person or do the sexual urges or fantasies cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have exhibitionistic disorder.

While it is unlikely that you have exhibitionistic disorder, you are displaying a sign related to it. Exhibitionistic disorder is characterized by persistent and intense atypical sexual arousal patterns. There are different subtypes of exhibitionistic disorder, depending on the age of the victim. For example, someone with the disorder may have a preference for prepubescent children and will expose themselves to them. People with exhibitionistic disorder may deny that they are engaging in this kind of behavior or that it’s causing them distress. But if they have shown their genitals repeatedly to non-consenting people, it is likely that they will receive a diagnosis of the disorder.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have exhibitionistic disorder. Seeking medical support is crucial. Many people who suffer from exhibitionistic disorder do not seek medical attention or treatment. Usually treatment includes psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy may consist of cognitive behavioral therapy that can help individuals manage their urges in healthier ways. They will also learn how to control their impulses. Additionally, relaxation training and empathy training are also examples of efficient treatment methods. Medications that inhibit sexual hormones can be helpful to add to psychotherapy in order to decrease sexual desire.