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Is a paraphilia simply an atypical sexual attraction, or is there more to it?

It was my understanding that a paraphilia will tend to have at least some of the following characteristics:

  • Developed in early childhood or as a result of a traumatic childhood experience
  • Recurring fantasises
  • The attractive is of a greater intensity then is considered normal
  • Paraphilias can be considered treatable

There are perhaps other characteristics I have not considered here. The point is that paraphilias seem to be defined by more than just a sexual attraction, bur are rather a sexual attraction in combination with one or more defining characteristics.

I think this quote from the wiki page on paraphilia is relevant:

A 2012 literature study comparing homosexuality with paraphilias confirmed that homosexuality was sufficiently dissimilar from the paraphilias as to be considered an unrelated construct.

So, does a paraphilia have more symptoms (not sure if this is the correct terminology) than a sexual orientation? Or is it just a matter of definitions and classification?

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Didn't you just list (in your bullet points) what differed between them? :S That is, what type of answer are you looking for? – Speldosa Mar 14 '12 at 10:56
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@Speldosa I'm wanting to confirm that, with references if possible. I've noticed some people seem to consider a paraphilia an atypical attraction and nothing more. It is my understanding that there is more to it. This question was born out of my question on pedophilia and the comments in the first answer. – Sonny Ordell Mar 14 '12 at 11:31
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In what way is the Wikipedia article on this or, even better, the DSM-IV entry regarding this not enough? – Speldosa Mar 14 '12 at 15:15
@Speldosa Because there is contradictory information and it isn't clear. For example, pedophilia is considered a paraphilia and a mental disorder. When I questioned if pedophilia is a mental disorder some people gave the answer that it is purely a matter of definitions. At the same time other people say that is is more than a matter of definitions and that paraphilias have symptoms defining them as such. Which is it? – Sonny Ordell Mar 15 '12 at 1:03

closed as not a real question by Artem Kaznatcheev, Chuck Sherrington, Jeromy Anglim♦ Aug 12 '12 at 3:08

It's difficult to tell what is being asked here. This question is ambiguous, vague, incomplete, overly broad, or rhetorical and cannot be reasonably answered in its current form. For help clarifying this question so that it can be reopened, see the FAQ.

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