Voyeuristic Disorder: Causes, Signs, Treatment, and Impact on Daily Life

Voyeuristic disorder is a complex mental health condition that affects a person’s ability to lead a normal life, form romantic connections, and maintain a career. This sensitive disorder is characterized by the act of spying on unsuspecting people who are naked, undressing, or engaging in sexual activities.

People with voyeuristic disorder rarely seek professional help, which makes it difficult to estimate how widespread this condition is. In this post, we will explain the most likely causes of voyeuristic disorder, review the typical symptoms of this disorder, and share the best treatment options for people struggling with this condition.

What Is Voyeuristic Disorder?

Voyeuristic disorder is a mental health disorder that belongs to a group of conditions called paraphilic disorders—these disorders are defined by unusual and persistent sexual interests that may cause harm to a person or the people around them. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), a person is diagnosed with voyeuristic disorder if they feel intense sexual arousal when observing an unknowing individual who is undressed or engaged in intimate relations.

It is important to distinguish between voyeuristic behavior and voyeuristic disorder. While the former may be a temporary issue, the person grows out of it quickly once they realize the potential consequences of their actions, the latter may persist for months and years, seriously disrupting the life of the individual with the disorder and the people they choose to target.

Symptoms of Voyeuristic Disorder

Here are the most common signs of voyeuristic disorder you or your loved one may exhibit:

• Sexual arousal accompanied by fantasies and desires to spy on people who are not aware they are being watched
• Strong preference to reach sexual satisfaction via voyeurism instead of normal sexual relations with a consenting partner
• Difficulty focusing on work or studies and being present in social situations due to obsessive thoughts related to voyeurism
• Engagement in dangerous activities such as climbing a tree to look inside someone’s bedroom or entering private property without permission
• Participation in illegal activities—for instance, a person with Voyeuristic Disorder may carry a camera to record the people they are spying on

Causes of Voyeuristic Disorder

At the moment, there is no definitive answer to what causes voyeuristic disorder. Mental health specialists have come up with several theories to explain this condition:

• The disorder has developed as a coping mechanism to deal with severe stress and anxiety—spying on others gives the person temporary relief and satisfaction
• The person was exposed to sexual content at a young age, and their abnormal sexual interests are rooted in childhood
• The individual struggles to build a social life and connect with people, preferring to be alone—in this case, voyeurism is one of the few activities that makes them feel good

Diagnosis of Voyeuristic Disorder

Voyeuristic disorder is typically diagnosed by a therapist or a psychiatrist after one or several counseling sessions with the patient. A qualified professional will be able to evaluate the behavior of the person in question and determine whether their voyeuristic tendencies are persistent and harmful.

In most cases, there is no need for a patient to come to the doctor’s office to be diagnosed with voyeuristic disorder—these days, therapy sessions are held online, giving people the opportunity to talk to a mental health provider from the comfort of their home. Pay attention to your behavior and the conduct of your family members and friends—if voyeurism negatively affects the life of the person, it may be time to reach out to a therapist.

Treatment of Voyeuristic Disorder

Fortunately, whether the person struggles with voyeuristic disorder or its milder form—voyeuristic tendencies that have not yet risen to the level of the disorder—there are ways to help the patient. Here are a few treatment options you may want to consider:

• Therapy. Book a session with a therapist to talk about your problem—a mental health professional will listen to your concerns and give you advice based on your unique circumstances. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)—a popular type of therapy that targets a patient’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior—has proven to be effective for people with voyeuristic disorder.
• Medication. A psychiatrist may prescribe you certain drugs to deal with this disorder. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), usually given to patients with depression and anxiety, may help you overcome voyeurism.
• Support of the loved ones. In addition to professional treatment, make sure your close friends and family know about your struggles, and ask them to be there for you. You will feel better knowing the people who care about you do not judge you for this disorder and are willing to help you overcome it.

Why You Should Treat Voyeuristic Disorder

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with voyeuristic disorder, it is crucial to address this issue and seek treatment. This disorder may adversely affect a person’s life—here are a few reasons to treat it. Voyeuristic Disorder:

• Avoid legal trouble. Voyeurism is illegal—if the person is caught spying on others, especially if they are recording the victims without their knowledge, they may be arrested and jailed.
• Protect the victims. The targets of the person with voyeuristic disorder will suffer knowing their privacy was violated. In case the voyeur is not stopped, their victims may have to deal with long-term consequences to their mental health.
• Preserve the mental health of the voyeur. The person who spies on others may be overcome with guilt and shame for their behavior. It will be difficult to lead a normal life and focus on career and personal relationships when voyeuristic tendencies occupy the mind of the individual.

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