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Voyeurism
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Voyeurism is characterized by achieving sexual arousal by watching others when they are naked, undressing, or having sex. When peeping at unsuspecting people, this sexual behavior often leads to problems.
The desire to see other people in sexual situations is common and is not in itself pathological. Voyeurism usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Adolescent voyeurism is usually more tolerated; teenagers are rarely arrested for it. In cases of pathological attraction, the voyeur spends a lot of time looking for opportunities to spy. Orgasm is usually achieved by masturbation during or after spying. The voyeur does not seek sexual contact with those being watched.
Voyeurs in many cultures have many legal opportunities to observe sexual activity. If legal boundaries are crossed and sexual assault is considered, treatment usually begins with therapy, support groups, and SSRIs. If these drugs are ineffective, antiandrogens may be prescribed with full informed consent and appropriate monitoring of liver function and blood testosterone levels.