A diagnosis is made via a medical professional’s evaluation, based on specific criteria.
Medical professionals diagnose exhibitionistic disorder when:
- Individuals have been repeatedly and intensely aroused by exposing their genitals or being observed by other people during sexual activity, and the arousal has been expressed in fantasies, intense urges, or behaviours.
- As a result, individuals feel greatly distressed or become less able to function well (at work, in their family, or in interactions with friends), or they have acted on their urges with an individual who does not consent.
- They have had the condition for six (6) months or more.
Mental Health Matters 