1. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) Previously Listed BDSM as Deviant Behavior
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the diagnostical manuals of the American Psychiatric Association, have a somewhat checkered history when it comes to its representation of intimate relations. The DSM categorized homosexuality as a pathological behavior until its 1973 edition. It also listed BDSM practices as deviant behavior until the DSM 5, which was published in 2013.
The core of the controversy centers around the idea of paraphilias. Paraphilias are defined as attraction to unusual objects, people, or situations. A foot fetish, for example, could be considered a harmless paraphilia. Ephebophilia, or the appeal to teenagers, on the other hand, is regarded as a harmful paraphilia if acted. Homosexuality and BDSM practices were both listed as paraphilias in the manual for many years.
The difficulty with such definitions is that the US legal system often relies on the DSM in court proceedings. The description of homosexuality as a harmful paraphilia was used to lock up gay men and women in mental health units for years. The status of BDSM practices as harmful paraphilias was similarly used in court cases and would often impact how therapists treated patients who engaged in BDSM practices. Thankfully, the most recent version of the DSM distinguishes between paraphilias, which are harmless, and paraphilic disorders which cause distress or harm to oneself or others.
Where did we find this stuff? Here are our sources:
“Where Did BDSM Come From?” Melissa Sartore, Ranker. n.d.
“Inanna” Joshua J. Mark, Ancient History Encyclopedia. October 2010.
“So, are you a pervert?” Martin Robbins, Vice. November 2014.
Story, Neil R. London: Crime, Death & Debauchery. London: The History Press, 2007.
