Voyeuristic

Voyeuristic, in clinical and scholarly use, describes a sexual interest in watching others who are naked, undressing, or engaging in sexual activity, typically without their knowledge or consent. The term derives from the French voir, “to see.” While some individuals may have voyeuristic fantasies in private, the clinical concern arises when such interests cause distress or impairment, or involve non-consenting persons.

Diagnosis and prevalence: In the DSM-5-TR, voyeuristic disorder is characterized by recurrent and intense fantasies, urges, or behaviors involving observing an unsuspecting person who is naked, undressing, or engaging in sexual activity, with acting on these urges or causing distress or impairment. The condition is more commonly identified in men and typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood, though many with such interests do not seek treatment.

Legal and ethical issues: Non-consensual voyeurism breaches privacy and can involve criminal offenses such as unlawful surveillance, trespass, or distributing voyeuristic material. Legal responses vary by jurisdiction, and many places prohibit recording or sharing intimate images without consent. Societal norms generally condemn covert observation of others in private spaces.

Treatment and prognosis: Management emphasizes risk assessment and safety planning, often within a multidisciplinary framework. Psychotherapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and relapse-prevention strategies, are common. In some cases, pharmacotherapy such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or antiandrogenic medications may be considered to reduce deviant arousal, typically alongside psychotherapy. Prognosis depends on individual factors, including comorbidity and adherence to treatment. See also paraphilias, sexual disorders, privacy law.