Introduction
The exhibition refers to the habit of exposing your nudity to other people, especially strangers (Kasl). A person exposes his/her private parts such as breasts or genitalia, usually with no intention of having any physical relationship with the stranger. Some individuals only fantasize about doing it and the fantasy gives them satisfaction. This paper will look into the underlying issues behind exhibitionism and the various treatments available and their effects.
The underlying issues
Exhibitionism has become a common behavior in our present world but with varying degrees.This behavior can be caused by various reasons from “physical problems with the brain to chemical imbalances and traumatic experiences in childhood,” (Queen, Para. 1). People engage in exhibitionism because of psychiatric problems, which portray a situation of chemical imbalances. Others do it because they believe that their spectators are dying to see them naked. “Several studies have shown that emotional abuse in childhood and family dysfunction are both significant risk factors in the development of exhibitionism,” (Frey, Para. 3). Also, a child who never got attention or showed hyperactivity disorder is more likely to exhibit these tendencies.
Experts argue that men show more tendencies of exhibitionism as compared to women. This does not mean that women are less affected, but those affected respond by engaging in more socially acceptable behavior to cover up for their deficiencies. Some of those affected try o fight the impulse not to engage in the act, in which case it will only remain a fantasy and therefore nothing serious. Others however hard they try not to do it, just can’t control the impulse resulting in a very serious condition that needs attention.
Treatments and their outcome
There are various treatments for people who cannot control their impulse to engage in exhibitionism depending on the severity of the affected person. It may come through attending therapy, medication or even institutionalization.
Psychotherapy is one of the therapeutical ways of treating the disorder. It involves cognitive behavioral therapy where victims are helped to adopt a way of thinking that is different from the thinking that makes them engage in the act. It also involves reconditioning of orgasm where a person now derives sexual pressure from the accepted methods other than from the fantasy of exhibitionism. Group therapy also helps them recover from their own denial and face the real matter at hand. Doctors also prescribe couple or family therapy where the individual has been cut out by the family because of his actions.
Medication is another major way of treating these patients. But it is difficult to tell how effective the different drugs are. Some drugs contain female hormones. “Medroxyprogesterone acetate, or MPA, is the most widely used hormonal medication in the U.S. for the treatment of people with exhibitionism,” (Frey, Para. 4). The effect of this is reduced testosterone in the body. Other types of medications help in reducing the amount of serotonin in the brain increasing the victim’s sex drive. Other methods include electroshock aversion as well as social skill training to help the individual develop skills creating healthy relationships.
Conclusion
Exhibitionism is a serious disorder but it is difficult to help out the victims since they never come out in the open. Most of them only attend therapy when court orders have been issued against them. The recovery of an individual is dependent on the duration that the person has been engaging in the act and the less the period the easier it is for him to come out of it. So, these people should be advised to obtain help as early as possible. Those who are getting into the act should know that once you start, it is hard for you to stop and therefore should seek help.
Works Cited
- Frey, Johns. Rebecca, Exhibitionism, 2009. Web.
- Kasl, Charlotte. Women, Sex, and Addiction. New York: Harper and Row, Publishers, 1990
- Queen, Jacob, What is Exhibitionism? 2003. Web.