Does fetishism need treatment?
Nov 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, whether fetishism requires treatment depends on specific circumstances, including symptom presentation and the extent of its impact on daily life and mental health. If it causes distress, it is advisable to seek professional psychological help promptly. During treatment, approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, or medication may be used.
In general, whether fetishism requires treatment depends on specific circumstances such as symptom presentation and the extent of its impact on daily life and mental health. If it causes distress, it is advisable to seek professional psychological help promptly. The detailed analysis is as follows:
If fetishistic behaviors do not interfere with normal life, cause no harm to others, and do not trigger significant psychological conflicts in the individual, mandatory treatment may not be necessary at this stage. When such behaviors are confined to private personal spaces and do not disrupt social functioning, work, or intimate relationships, balance can often be maintained through self-regulation and psychological adjustment, without requiring excessive intervention.
However, if fetishistic behaviors are accompanied by illegal acts such as theft or voyeurism, or lead to anxiety, depression, and a serious decline in quality of life, treatment becomes essential. In these cases, boundaries of morality and law have been crossed, or psychological crises have arisen, making self-regulation insufficient to achieve improvement. Professional intervention is needed to break the cycle of harmful behaviors.
During treatment, approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, or medication may be employed to help individuals understand and manage their fetishistic behaviors.
