Do I Have Sexual Sadism Disorder?

Over a period of at least 6 months, did you experience recurrent and intense sexual arousal from the physical or psychological suffering of another person, as manifested by fantasies, urges or behaviors?

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 sexual sadism disorder.

While it is unlikely that you have sexual sadism disorder, you are displaying a sign related to it. It may be of high importance to seek medical attention. Sexual sadism is characterized by causing harm, mentally or physically, to another person in order to achieve sexual arousal. Examples of sadistic acts are restraint (ropes, handcuffs, chains), biting, beating and imprisonment. If someone experiences sadistic sexual interests but without distress or harm to others, the disorder will not be diagnosed. However, when someone practices these acts at least three times without consent from the other person or when the sadistic fantasies or behaviors lead to functional problems, the disorder may be diagnosed.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have sexual sadism disorder. Seeking medical support is crucial in your case. People with this disorder usually don’t seek treatment on their own. In most cases, the persons get caught committing a related crime and are referred to a professional who performs an evaluation. Treatment of sexual sadism usually consists of psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy) and medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches someone to recognize unhealthy patterns of sexual gratification and to replace them with healthier behaviors and thoughts. Antidepressants can be prescribed to reduce impulsive behavior.