Recently At this time, social media was shocked by the news of the sperm throwing terror in Tasikmalaya. Experts suspect that the terrorist suffers from a sexual disorder of exhibitionism. Actually, what is meant by sexual exhibitionism disorder?
Exhibitionism is a form of sexual perversion by showing off one's genitals in public, especially to the opposite sex, for sexual gratification. Most exhibitionists are men, although women can also experience this sexual disorder.
Exhibitionism is part of the paraphilic sexual disorder. Paraphilia is a sexual urge, arousal, fantasy, or deviant sexual behavior involving objects, activities, or situations that are generally not sexually arousing for people.
A person will be diagnosed with an exhibitionism sexual disorder if this behavior has been going on for at least 6 months and has caused suffering, disturbance, or loss, both for the sufferer himself and others.
What Causes Exhibitionism Sexual Disorder?
The cause of exhibitionism sexual disorder is not known with certainty. However, several factors are thought to cause or increase a person's risk of developing this disorder. However, these factors are still debated and need to be investigated further.
The factors in question are:
- Genetic and neuropsychological factorsSexual exhibitionism disorder is thought to be caused by the disruption of fetal brain development since in the womb.
- Childhood trauma factorSome events that caused trauma in childhood, such as sexual abuse, emotional suffering, and a lack of attention and affection from parents, can also increase a person's risk of experiencing exhibitionism. Deviant sexual fantasies can be a form of mechanism to overcome these childhood traumas (coping mechanisms).
- Other factorsSeveral other factors can also increase the risk of exhibitionism, such as antisocial personality, alcohol abuse, and lack of self-confidence.
What are the Characteristics of Patients with Exhibitionism Sexual Disorders?
Symptoms of exhibitionism sexual disorder usually begin to appear at the age of 15-25 years and begin to decrease with age. The following are characteristics of people with exhibitionism sexual disorders:
- Feeling satisfied when showing genitals to strangers in public places. Some sufferers of exhibitionism like to show off their genitals only to certain groups of people, such as small children or the opposite sex.
- Sexual arousal appears when you see the victim feeling shocked, afraid, or amazed, which is followed by masturbation. However, there was no purpose for any further physical contact or sexual intercourse with the victim.
- Tend to find it difficult to start or maintain a relationship, whether romantic or friendship.
- Not infrequently sufferers of exhibitionism also show symptoms of other paraphilia disorders and are considered hypersexual.
Is There a Treatment for Exhibitionism Sexual Disorder?
Not many sufferers of exhibitionism sexual disorder who consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They tend to hide their annoyance because they feel guilty, ashamed, or have financial or legal problems.
In fact, sufferers of this disorder are advised to immediately get treatment, both medically and psychologically. This needs to be done before he endangers himself and others, or even commits a criminal act.
Exhibitionism therapy is carried out by psychiatrists with a choice of various methods, according to the severity of the disorder experienced by the patient. Some of the therapeutic methods that can be done are:
Psychotherapy
Through psychotherapy, sufferers will undergo individual or group counseling sessions. Some topics in the counseling are specific, such as the topic of marriage or family. Psychotherapy is expected to help sufferers to improve their behavior and ability to interact socially.
drug therapy
The type of drug given can be in the form of hormone suppressants, antidepressants, or controllers mood. These drugs generally work by reducing sex drive, so that deviant sexual behavior can be suppressed.
Treatment for exhibitionism disorder is long-term and the success of therapy depends on the individual. If the patient has the desire to recover and become a better person, the chances of successful therapy will be greater.
Exhibitionism sexual disorder can have an impact on personal, social, and work life, as well as legal consequences. Although the sufferer of exhibitionism does not aim to make further physical contact with the victim, this should not be taken lightly because it can cause fear or psychological trauma to the victim, especially children.
If you witness exhibitionist behavior, the action you need to take is to immediately leave the scene and ask for help from other people or security officers who are around. Thus, sufferers of exhibitionism can be immediately secured and treated.
Written by:
dr. Caroline Claudia
