OVERVIEW

What is exhibitionism?

Exhibitionism refers to a paraphilic behavior in which an individual exposes their genitals to others (typically unfamiliar young members of the opposite sex) in inappropriate situations to achieve sexual arousal. It is classified as a type of "sexual deviation."

Exhibitionism is most commonly observed in unmarried young men aged 25 to 35.

Treatment should be sought in the psychiatric or psychological department. A common therapeutic approach is "aversion therapy," and efforts should also be made to identify the underlying causes for root-level treatment.

SYMPTOMS

What are the typical manifestations of exhibitionism?

Individuals with exhibitionism often lurk in dark, secluded areas during episodes. When someone of the opposite sex approaches, they suddenly expose their erect genitals to shock the other person. Sometimes they may force physical contact, then quickly leave after achieving psychological satisfaction.

Men typically expose their genitals, while women expose their breasts (though female cases are rare).

Most individuals feel remorse and shame afterward but struggle to control their impulses when the urge resurfaces.

CAUSES

What are the causes of exhibitionism?

The exact causes of exhibitionism remain unclear, but it is generally believed to be associated with the following factors:

• Upbringing environment: Many individuals received unhealthy sexual education during childhood. As adults, when faced with unresolved psychological stress or stimulation, they resort to this behavior for self-gratification. This is one of the primary reasons for the deviant psychology and behavior of exhibitionism. Many exhibitionists exhibit clearly immature psychosexual development.

• Personality factors: Many exhibitionists display notably introverted personalities, underdeveloped psychological maturity, social withdrawal, inhibition, fear of interacting with the opposite sex, and lack of proper sexual education. As adults, they often resort to immature methods to satisfy their sexual urges.

DIAGNOSIS

How is exhibitionism diagnosed?

Exhibitionism can be diagnosed when the following conditions are met:

• Recurrent urges to expose one's genitals to an unsuspecting person of the opposite sex, without the intention of sexual intercourse;
• These urges persist for at least 6 months;
• Over a period of six months or longer, there are repeated intense desires or sexual arousal involving exposing genitals to strangers of the opposite sex.

TREATMENT

What department should exhibitionism see?

Exhibitionism is a psychological and mental disorder, and treatment should be sought in the psychiatric or psychological department.

How is exhibitionism generally treated?

Common treatment methods include:

• Aversion therapy. Patients are asked to imagine exposing their genitals to the opposite sex while receiving adverse stimuli such as electric shocks or injections of emetics to disrupt their pathological reflex mechanism.
• Identifying the cause. The root cause of the condition is explored, and unhealthy childhood sexual education is corrected to modify this deviant sexual behavior.
• Medication. Depending on the condition, SSRI antidepressants may be prescribed, and anti-androgen therapy can be administered if necessary.

DIET & LIFESTYLE

What to Do When Encountering an Exhibitionist?

Exhibitionists typically expose their genitals and derive satisfaction from the shock or verbal abuse of others. Therefore, the correct way to handle such a situation is to remain indifferent, ignore them, or show strong disgust to make them lose interest. Alternatively, walk away quickly and call the police if necessary.

PREVENTION

How to Prevent Exhibitionism?

Parents should provide children with proper and healthy sex education from an early age. Children should learn about gender differences during childhood and understand that no one should touch their genitals or breasts, nor should they show their genitals to anyone.