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The Relation Between the Paraphilias and Anxiety in Men: A Case-Control Study
Mélanie H Fox1,2, Michael C Seto3,4, Nabhan Refaie1,5
1School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|October 6, 2022
Summary
This study investigated the link between paraphilias and anxiety in men. While a specific link wasn't found, men with paraphilias showed higher rates of various psychological disorders, suggesting a broader connection.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Sexual Health
Background:
- The development and higher prevalence of paraphilic interests in men remain unclear.
- Anxiety's role in potentiating sexual arousal in men suggests a potential link to paraphilias.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific link between paraphilias and anxiety disorders in men.
- To explore the developmental origins of paraphilic interests and their association with psychological disorders.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective file review of 1048 consecutive patients referred to a sexual behavior clinic.
- Analysis focused on 944 male patients to examine diagnoses of paraphilias and anxiety disorders.
Main Results:
- Male patients with paraphilias had higher odds of anxiety disorder diagnoses (OR=1.64).
- However, elevated rates of other psychological disorders were also observed in patients with paraphilias.
- No specific link between paraphilias and anxiety was identified in this sample.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a general association between paraphilias and psychological disorders in men, rather than a specific link to anxiety.
- Opens new research avenues into the developmental origins and implications of male paraphilic interests.
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