FETISHISM

Abstract

WeU-documented cases of fetishism and a case of the author''s were studied in an attempt to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this disorder. Certain characteristic behavioral phenomena encountered in fetishism are described. These phenomena can be divided into 2 general groups: the 1st representing a state of increased organismic excitability, the 2d representing attempts to maintain organismic control. The state of increased organismic excitability is considered the primary disturbance in fetishism. This state is regarded as a product of cerebral pathophysiology. Some of the major manifestations of this state appear to be related to seizure and other episodic phenomena found in temporal lobe dysfunction. The psychodynamic patterns of the fetishist are discussed with particular reference to the role played in their formation by the state of increased organismic excitability; the adaptive value of the fetish object is also examined.