Definition
paraphilias
noun
- Plural of paraphilia; persistent patterns of sexual arousal to unusual objects, situations, fantasies, behaviors, or individuals.
Usage: clinical/medical term; psychology and psychiatry; formal register
Examples
- The diagnostic manual includes paraphilias as a category of mental health conditions.
- Mental health professionals study paraphilias to better understand and treat patients.
- Research on paraphilias has evolved significantly over the past few decades.
- Treatment for paraphilias typically involves therapy and sometimes medication.
- The classification of paraphilias in clinical settings continues to be refined.