Is fetishism a mental illness?
Generally speaking, fetishism refers to fetishistic disorder. Fetishistic disorder is a psychological condition and falls under the category of paraphilic disorders. If distressing symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical help promptly. The detailed analysis is as follows:
Fetishistic disorder refers to a pattern in which an individual repeatedly collects objects previously used by the opposite sex and relies on these items as the sole means of achieving sexual arousal and satisfaction. This condition is primarily associated with lack of proper sex education, psychological trauma, and other factors, and may be accompanied by other paraphilic behaviors such as voyeurism. Therefore, fetishistic disorder is classified as a mental health condition. Patients can, under medical guidance, overcome fetishistic tendencies through therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or psychoanalysis. Additionally, medications such as haloperidol tablets, olanzapine tablets, or paroxetine hydrochloride tablets may be prescribed according to medical advice.
It is recommended that patients adopt comprehensive treatment approaches along with social support to gradually restore normal daily functioning.