The Russian Health Ministry has approved clinical guidelines for disorders of sexual preference. Treatment measures may range from outpatient care to hospitalization in psychiatric facilities, according to the Russian Telegram channel Mash.
When treatment may be prescribed
The outlet reports that treatment may be prescribed when sexual fantasies and behaviors become compulsive, interfere with daily life or pose a risk to the individual or others.
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The clinical guidelines cover fetishism, fetishistic transvestism, exhibitionism, voyeurism, pedophilia and sadomasochism. However, treatment is not intended for everyone with such preferences; rather, it is reserved for cases in which fantasies and behaviors become compulsive, cause problems in daily life or create risks for others.
Treatment may include psychotherapy and medication
Treatment plans will be tailored to the patient’s condition and administered in stages. The initial phase may involve psychotherapy and, if necessary, antidepressants. In more severe cases, medications that lower testosterone levels may be prescribed. Reducing testosterone can help decrease the intensity of sexual urges and associated fantasies.
Previous guidelines date to 1999
Before the introduction of the new guidelines, doctors relied on a document dating back to 1999. It listed methods such as hypnosis and autosuggestion, even though the document had been considered outdated since 2012.
