Sexual Deviance: Theory, Assessment, and Treatment

Brief summaries of many forms of sexual deviance, including history, epidemiology, theory, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of each. Excellent and extensive references follow each chapter. Fascinating and accesable to the general reader as well as professionals interested in reviewing alternative sexual practices.

It is difficult to find books about human sexuality which are both solidly scientific and easy to read. This one is both. Its contents follow a consistent pattern for each diagnostic entity and these stick as closely as possible to DSM-IV (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, American Psychiatric Association). Thus, each entity is introduced by descriptive considerations (diagnostic criteria, age of onset, etc.), epidemological factors (prevalence, incidence, risk), associated features, forensic issues, review of theories of etiology, and assessment of future directions. The material covered is ample and includes most of the specific sexual deviances in the literature. Each chapter is followed by an extensive, recent bibliography. This is a text book and also a fine reference for people in mental health, law enforcement, and any profession involved with issues of human sexuality and it many ramifications. It is not recommended for those who seek to indulge their prurient interests. A scholarly tone is maintained throughout the book, and it imparts its information in a straightforward and highly legible form. It does not attempt to obscure facts with unintelligible language.It navigates with a steady hand the treacherous waters that lie between prudery and prurience.