The DSM-IV notes that paraphiliacs “are rarely self-referred and usually come to the attention of mental health professionals only when their behavior has brought them into conflict with sexual partners or society.” The authors note that among paraphilics, sadists and masochists are especially unlikely to self-refer. (pp. 523-524)
Four studies give some shape to this claim. Spengler (1979) finds that 10% of kinky males in his sample have sought therapy or counselling to address their kink. Moser and Levitt (1987) put that figure at 16.1%. Brame (2000), using a much larger sample size, found only 7%. Kolmes et al (2006) find that 12% of kinky people who are already in therapy sought therapy because of their kink. Another 4% discovered they were kinky after going into therapy.
Updated 11/19/2009
And then there's me. I scrupulously avoid telling my psychiatrist about my submission, for fear she'll worry about me. Although I can't help dropping some hints. And she's a very smart woman.
ReplyDeleteI discussed this with meg once, who wasn't very pleased with the idea of holding something back from a therapist. But my doctor isn't really my therapist, though she does sometimes function as one in an astoundingly efficient manner. And the only way my submission to the sadist relates to my various psychiatric conditions is in the way it makes me feel more secure and focused and happy. Meaning it counteracts the effects of the SAD and ADD and Bipolar disorder. Pretty good, no?
I suppose if it were ever disrupting my life, I would tell.
Maybe...
There's still the fear of being judged.