Abasiophilia

Abasiophilia is a psychological condition often classified under paraphilia, where an individual is sexually attracted to people with impaired mobility, especially those who use orthopedic appliances such as leg braces, orthopedic casts, or wheelchairs. The term is derived from the Greek words 'abasio' (meaning 'to limp') and 'philia' (meaning 'love').

Overview

Abasiophilia is not widely studied, and as such, it is not recognized as a distinct disorder by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). However, it is often discussed in the context of other paraphilias and fetishistic disorders.

The attraction in abasiophilia can be towards the disability or impairment itself, or towards the appliance used by the individual. Some abasiophiles find the struggle or difficulty in movement to be arousing, while others are attracted to the appearance of braces, casts, or wheelchairs.

Causes

The exact causes of abasiophilia, like many other paraphilias, are not well understood. It is believed to be influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Some theories suggest that it may be related to experiences in early childhood or adolescence, while others propose that it may be linked to certain neurological or hormonal imbalances.

Treatment

Treatment for abasiophilia is typically only sought if the condition is causing distress or harm to the individual or others. Therapies may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, or medication. It's important to note that treatment is not about "curing" the paraphilia, but rather about helping the individual manage their desires in a healthy and safe manner.

See also

• Paraphilia
• Fetishistic disorder
• Sexual fetishism