Fetishistic Disorder

Fetishistic disorder involves sexual arousal derived from non-living objects or non-genital body parts, which causes distress, impairment, or interferes with relationships. Common examples include shoes, underwear, or feet. While many people engage in fetishistic behaviors without distress, clinical cases involve compulsive dependence on the object or focus, disrupting daily functioning. The disorder often emerges during adolescence, shaped by early sexual conditioning and reinforcement, as well as personality traits such as rigidity, novelty-seeking, or social anxiety. In Saudi Arabia, cultural and religious restrictions on sexual expression may amplify secrecy, shame, and internalized guilt, potentially increasing comorbid anxiety or depressive symptoms. Fetishistic disorder can coexist with other paraphilic or compulsive sexual behaviors, requiring careful assessment.