Is foot fetishism a disease?

Nov 14, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Baohua

Introduction

Foot fetishism is a type of sexual preference characterized by a special interest in feet. If this preference exists only in an individual's private life, does not violate others' consent, and does not cause psychological distress such as anxiety or depression in the individual, while allowing normal social interaction, work, and daily functioning, it falls within the scope of personal sexual preference and does not constitute a disorder.

Generally speaking, foot fetishism itself is not a disease. If it does not cause distress or harm to oneself or others and does not interfere with normal daily life, no special intervention is needed. If there are concerns, it is advisable to seek medical consultation early. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Foot fetishism is a type of sexual preference characterized by a special interest in feet. If this preference remains confined to one's private life, does not violate others' consent, and does not lead to psychological distress such as anxiety or depression, while the individual can still maintain normal social interactions, work, and daily functioning, it falls within the scope of personal sexual preference and does not constitute a pathological condition.

However, if foot fetishism causes significant problems—such as severe psychological distress due to unfulfilled desires, or if an individual engages in harassment or侵犯 (infringement) of others through inappropriate means to obtain foot-related stimuli, thereby affecting others' lives or violating ethical or legal standards—it may have exceeded the boundaries of normal preference. In such cases, underlying psychological abnormalities might be present, and professional psychological intervention should be sought.

If one feels confused about their foot fetish or notices that it is negatively impacting their life, they should proactively consult a mental health professional. This helps prevent increased psychological burden due to self-doubt. At the same time, it is essential to always respect others' autonomy and ensure that one's behavior does not infringe upon others' rights or disrupt social order.

View All

Is fetishism considered a mental illness?

Whether fetishism constitutes a mental illness depends on the severity of symptoms. When an individual relies solely on specific objects for sexual pleasure without affecting others or impairing social functioning, it is classified as a paraphilic disorder rather than a psychotic disorder. However, if hallucinations, delusions, or other psychiatric abnormalities are present, or if the fetishistic behavior leads to extreme actions such as harming others or destroying property, it may indicate a comorbid psychotic disorder.

View Full Answer

Does fetishism need treatment?

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.