Sexual infantilism

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Sexual Infantilism is a term used in psychoanalysis to describe a sexual fixation on the physical characteristics of infants. This condition is considered a paraphilia, a type of abnormal sexual behavior. The term is not used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the United States.

Definition[edit | edit source]

Sexual infantilism is defined as a sexual attraction to the physical characteristics of infants. This includes a fixation on infant-like features such as small size, lack of body hair, and other physical traits associated with infancy. It is important to note that this does not necessarily involve a desire to engage in sexual activity with infants, but rather a sexual attraction to the physical characteristics associated with infancy.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

As sexual infantilism is not recognized in the DSM, there are no official diagnostic criteria for this condition. However, it is generally diagnosed by mental health professionals based on the individual's reported sexual interests and behaviors. It is also important to note that a diagnosis of sexual infantilism does not necessarily imply that the individual has acted on these interests or behaviors.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for sexual infantilism typically involves psychotherapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of therapy aims to help the individual understand and change their sexual interests and behaviors. In some cases, medication may also be used as part of the treatment plan.

See also[edit | edit source]

Sexual infantilism Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD