174 Frotteurism (302.89)
DSM-IV-TR criteria:
- Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving touching and rubbing against a nonconsenting person.
- The person has acted on these sexual urges, or the sexual urges or fantasies cause marked distress or interpersonal difficulty.
- Frotteurism is the paraphilic focus that involves touching and/or rubbing against a nonconsenting person. This particular behavior usually occurs in crowded places, such as public transportation facilitates and concerts, from which the individual can more easily escape arrest. The most common form of Frotteurism is when he or she rubs his or her genitals against the victim’s thighs and buttocks or with women, fondles her genitalia or breasts with his hands. Individuals with Frotteurism will often fantasize that they have an exclusive and caring relationship with their victim at the moment of contact. While doing this when he or she usually recognizes what has happened and to avoid possible prosecution, he or she must escape detection after touching his victim.
Associated features
- A person who is suffering from Frotteurism usually experiences symptoms such as intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving touching and rubbing against a nonconsenting person for over a period of at least six months. These fantasies, urges, and behaviors can cause distress and problems associated with work, social atmospheres, and other important daily activities. Frotteurism is a derivative of the French word “frotter” meaning “to rub.”
- Frotteurism is also known as “mashing”. Mashing has been reported exclusively among males (DSM, 2000). Mashing usually takes place in crowded places, such as buses, elevators, or subway cars. Mashing is related to “toucherism”, which is the fondling of nonconsenting strangers. Mashing can be so furtive and fleeting that the victim may not realize what has happened.
Child vs. adult presentation
Typically, children under the age of 12 do not have Frotteurism due to lack of understanding and maturity. Most individuals who participate in frotteurism are between the ages of 15 and 25.Tendencies typically increase the age of 15 and decrease after the age of 25.
Gender and cultural differences in presentation
- Activities related to this disorder have been well-documented, particularly during historic periods in which they were considered more appropriate in certain less-established areas.
- Men are more likely to engage in frotteurism than women. Women are most likely to be the victims of the acts of frotteurism.
Epidemiology
Currently, there is no information on the epidemiology of Frotteurism available. Frotteurism is associated with paraphilic fantasies, but it occurs most commonly in adolescents. This disorder is not associated with traumatic experiences in either adolescent or adult life.
Etiology
Research has been unable to uncover a direct cause for Frott