Question

There are some critiques of the way paraphilias are categorized in the DSM. What are these critiques?

Answer 1

The DSM 5 is critiqued on the following grounds for their categorization of paraphilias:

• There is a lack of consensus about whether the distinction made between paraphilias and paraphilic disorders is meaningful.
• Furthermore, whether or not the definition of paraphilic disorders itself meets the criteria for that of a mental disorder is under question.
• The diagnosis of a paraphilic disorder appears to be of little support neither for the physician, nor for the patient.