Psychotherapy High Wycombe Psychotherapy High Wycombe - Last updated 07 January 2026

DSM Reference Home

DSM-IV and DSM-IV-TR:

Fetishism

This paraphilia is characterized by sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors involving use of non-human objects to produce or enhance sexual arousal with or in the absence of a partner.

Diagnostic criteria for 302.81 Fetishism

A. Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving the use of non-living objects (e.g. female undergarments).

B. The fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

C. The fetish objects are not limited to articles of female clothing used in cross-dressing (as in Transvestic Fetishism) or devices designed for the purpose of tactile genital stimulation (e.g. a vibrator).

Based on the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition APA

Research sources

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The online Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists most of the major psychological disorders and illnesses and lists the criteria that must be fulfilled in order for a diagnosis to be made. This resource is not a substitute for proper professional psychiatric diagnosis.