Journal Published Online: 01 May 1992
Volume 37, Issue 3

Simulated Paraphilias: A Preliminary Study of Patients Who Imitate or Exaggerate Paraphilic Symptoms and Behaviors

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

In a consecutive series of admissions to the Johns Hopkins Sexual Disorders Unit, 4 out of 20 patients appeared to have simulated paraphilic symptoms that further assessment indicated were either exaggerated or not present. The paper presents case histories of these 4 patients. A descriptive comparison is made between these patients and control groups of patients who admitted having paraphilic symptoms and a group of patients accused to having paraphilic symptoms but who denied them. Patients who simulated paraphilias tended to be self-referred (75%) and without current legal charges (100%). None of these patients was referred or sought treatment for pedophilia, in contrast to the other two patient groups, in which pedophilia accounted for 75% of the referrals. Several possible explanations for why patients might simulate paraphilias and implications for therapists who evaluate or treat sex offenders are discussed.

Author Information

Paul Fedoroff, J
University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Hanson, A
The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
McGuire, M
The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
Malin, HM
The Johns Hopkins Sexual Disorders Clinic, Baltimore, MD
Berlin, FS
The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
Pages: 10
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS12004J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12004J