Voyeurism
More commonly known as being a "Peeping Tom."
Description
The object of voyeurism is to observe unsuspecting individuals who are naked, in the process of undressing or engaging in sexual acts. The person being observed is usually a stranger to the observer. The act of looking or peeping is undertaken for the purpose of achieving sexual excitement. The observer generally does not seek to have sexual contact or activity with the person being observed.
If orgasm is sought, it is usually achieved through masturbation. This may occur during the act of observation or later, relying on the memory of the act that was observed. Frequently, a voyeur may have a fantasy of engaging in sexual activity with the person being observed. In reality, this fantasy is rarely attempted or consummated.
Causes
There is no scientific consensus concerning the basis for voyeurism. Most experts attribute the behavior to an initially random or accidental observation of an unsuspecting person who is naked, in the process of disrobing, or engaging in sexual activity. Successive repetitions of the act tend to reinforce and perpetuate the voyeuristic behavior.
Demographics
Voyeurism is apparently more common in men, but does occasionally occur in women. However, the prevalence of voyeurism is not known. Contemporary U.S. society is increasingly voyeuristic (as in the example of "real" television); however diagnosis is made only when this is a preferred or exclusive means of sexual gratification.
The onset of voyeuristic activity is usually prior to the age of 15 years. There are no reliable statistics pertaining to the incidence of voyeurism in adulthood.
Diagnosis
According to the mental health professional's handbook, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (“DSM-IV”), two criteria are required to make a diagnosis of voyeurism:
Treatments
Behavioral therapy is commonly used to try to treat voyeurism. The voyeur must learn to control the impulse to watch non-consenting victims, and just as importantly to acquire more acceptable means of sexual gratification. Outcomes of behavioral therapy are not known. There are no direct drug treatments for voyeurism.
Prognosis
Once voyeuristic activity is undertaken, it commonly does not stop. Over time, it may become the main form of sexual gratification for the voyeur. Its course tends to be chronic.
The prognosis for eliminating voyeurism is poor because most voyeurs have no desire to change their pattern of behavior.
Description
The object of voyeurism is to observe unsuspecting individuals who are naked, in the process of undressing or engaging in sexual acts. The person being observed is usually a stranger to the observer. The act of looking or peeping is undertaken for the purpose of achieving sexual excitement. The observer generally does not seek to have sexual contact or activity with the person being observed.
If orgasm is sought, it is usually achieved through masturbation. This may occur during the act of observation or later, relying on the memory of the act that was observed. Frequently, a voyeur may have a fantasy of engaging in sexual activity with the person being observed. In reality, this fantasy is rarely attempted or consummated.
Causes
There is no scientific consensus concerning the basis for voyeurism. Most experts attribute the behavior to an initially random or accidental observation of an unsuspecting person who is naked, in the process of disrobing, or engaging in sexual activity. Successive repetitions of the act tend to reinforce and perpetuate the voyeuristic behavior.
Demographics
Voyeurism is apparently more common in men, but does occasionally occur in women. However, the prevalence of voyeurism is not known. Contemporary U.S. society is increasingly voyeuristic (as in the example of "real" television); however diagnosis is made only when this is a preferred or exclusive means of sexual gratification.
The onset of voyeuristic activity is usually prior to the age of 15 years. There are no reliable statistics pertaining to the incidence of voyeurism in adulthood.
Diagnosis
According to the mental health professional's handbook, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (“DSM-IV”), two criteria are required to make a diagnosis of voyeurism:
- Over a period of at least six months, an individual must experience recurrent, intense, sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors that involve the act of observing an unsuspecting person who is naked, in the process of disrobing, or engaging in sexual activity.
- The fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors to watch other persons must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning; it must be disruptive (mentally or physically) to his or her everyday functioning.
Treatments
Behavioral therapy is commonly used to try to treat voyeurism. The voyeur must learn to control the impulse to watch non-consenting victims, and just as importantly to acquire more acceptable means of sexual gratification. Outcomes of behavioral therapy are not known. There are no direct drug treatments for voyeurism.
Prognosis
Once voyeuristic activity is undertaken, it commonly does not stop. Over time, it may become the main form of sexual gratification for the voyeur. Its course tends to be chronic.
The prognosis for eliminating voyeurism is poor because most voyeurs have no desire to change their pattern of behavior.
Tanner's drug of choice...a window with open blinds, no curtains.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Description
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for admiration. Those with NPD believe that they're superior to others and have little regard for other people's feelings. But behind this mask of ultra-confidence lies a fragile self-esteem, vulnerable to the slightest criticism. What they crave more than anything is attention, negative or positive. They will pull everyone around them into their weird world where they are always the star. Examples of NPD are Charles Manson, David Koresh, and Jim Jones. NPD is sometimes called “The God Complex.”
Cause
It's not known what causes narcissistic personality disorder. As with other mental disorders, the cause is likely complex. In the past, experts believed excessive praise, admiration and indulgence from parents may lead to a pathologically inflated sense of self. Today, however, psychiatrists believe parental neglect is more likely responsible. Other evidence points to genetics or psychobiology — the connection between the brain and behavior and thinking.
Demographics
Approximately 1% of the general population suffer from NPD, mostly males.
Diagnosis
According to the mental health professional's handbook, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (“DSM-IV”), five or more of the following criteria are required to make a diagnosis of NPD:
Treatments
Treatments for NPD include a variety of pharmacologic, individual, and group approaches. None, however, have been shown to be particularly effective. Many people believe that since NPD is, as the name implies, simply a type of personality, it is not likely to change, just as most people’s personalities are pretty much set in early childhood.
Prognosis
Since narcissists believe they can do no wrong, it is unusual for them to seek therapy, and those who do are generally reluctant to be truthful and open with mental health professionals. Unfortunately, individuals treated for NPD tend to progress very slowly, and rarely remain in treatment long enough for significant improvement to be made.
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for admiration. Those with NPD believe that they're superior to others and have little regard for other people's feelings. But behind this mask of ultra-confidence lies a fragile self-esteem, vulnerable to the slightest criticism. What they crave more than anything is attention, negative or positive. They will pull everyone around them into their weird world where they are always the star. Examples of NPD are Charles Manson, David Koresh, and Jim Jones. NPD is sometimes called “The God Complex.”
Cause
It's not known what causes narcissistic personality disorder. As with other mental disorders, the cause is likely complex. In the past, experts believed excessive praise, admiration and indulgence from parents may lead to a pathologically inflated sense of self. Today, however, psychiatrists believe parental neglect is more likely responsible. Other evidence points to genetics or psychobiology — the connection between the brain and behavior and thinking.
Demographics
Approximately 1% of the general population suffer from NPD, mostly males.
Diagnosis
According to the mental health professional's handbook, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (“DSM-IV”), five or more of the following criteria are required to make a diagnosis of NPD:
- Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
- Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
- Believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people or institutions
- Requires excessive admiration
- Has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations
- Is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
- Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
- Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her
- Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
Treatments
Treatments for NPD include a variety of pharmacologic, individual, and group approaches. None, however, have been shown to be particularly effective. Many people believe that since NPD is, as the name implies, simply a type of personality, it is not likely to change, just as most people’s personalities are pretty much set in early childhood.
Prognosis
Since narcissists believe they can do no wrong, it is unusual for them to seek therapy, and those who do are generally reluctant to be truthful and open with mental health professionals. Unfortunately, individuals treated for NPD tend to progress very slowly, and rarely remain in treatment long enough for significant improvement to be made.
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