Frotteurism Sexual Disorder - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Frotteurism

What is Frotteurism ?

Frotteurism is the term used for the intentional rubbing up against or touching of another, usually unsuspecting, person for the purpose of sexual arousal. It is also classified as one of the "courtship disorders".

Causes of Frotteurism

There is no scientific consensus concerning the cause of frotteurism. Most experts attribute the behavior to an initially random or accidental touching of another's genitals that the person finds sexually exciting. Successive repetitions of the act tend to reinforce and perpetuate the behavior.

Symptoms of Frotteurism

The symptoms of frotteurism is:

• Recurrent, intense, or sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors that involve touching and rubbing against a nonconsenting person.
• The person has acted on these sexual urges, or the fantasies or urges cause significant distress to the individual or are disruptive to his everyday functioning.

Treatment of Frotteurism

Treatment options would be similar as for other paraphilias and include both cognitive behavioural therapy psychopharmacological options. The frotteurisum must learn to control the impulse to touch nonconsenting victims. Medroxyprogesterone, a female hormone, is sometimes prescribed to decrease sexual desire.