Sexual Masochism and Sexual Sadism Disorder

Abstract

Abstract: Sexual sadism and masochism encompass a wide range of sexual interests. The words “sadism” and “masochism” are also used to describe nonsexual situations. In this chapter, the concepts of sadism and masochism are discussed as they relate both to sexual sadism disorder and sexual masochism disorder and also to bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism (BDSM). This chapter reviews the Fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the International Classification of Diseases diagnostic criteria for sadism and masochism and discusses their difference from consensual BDSM. Variations are presented. Treatments and prognosis are discussed. A review of the recent literature on these topics is presented.