Sadist – What Does It Really Mean?

What is a sadist? Sadism is the term used to describe an inclination or tendency to be sexually aroused by the infliction of physical or psychological suffering on another person. The sadist may experience pleasure from either the victim’s pain or her own act of inflicting pain.

We should note that not everyone who engages in sadistic behavior must be labeled a sadist. To be considered a sadist requires a pattern of behavior that lasts over a long period of time. An isolated incident or two should not necessarily be assumed to indicate a pattern.

What Drives a Sadist?

Sadism is thought to be caused by a complex interaction of biological and psychological factors. There is evidence that some individuals may be biologically predisposed to have a higher threshold for stimulation. This means that they need an increased level of stimulation which can only be achieved by infliction of pain.

Additionally, some individuals may have experienced a form of trauma that leads them to associate pleasure and power with inflicting pain on others. In these cases, psychological factors are thought to be the driving force for the individual’s sadistic tendencies.

What is the Risk?

It is not often easy to distinguish persons exhibiting sadistic behavior from those who do not. Research has indicated that individuals engaging in extreme acts of sadism are likely to suffer from some form of psychopathology. This includes increased levels of impulsivity, anti-social behavior, and interpersonal problems.

Studies also suggest that people who engage in sadistic behavior tend to have difficulty in forming meaningful relationships and have an increased risk of criminal behavior. Clearly, individuals with sadistic tendencies entail a risk to society and must be treated by specialists.

Can Sadists Be Treated?

Sadistic behavior is strongly rooted in physiological and psychological causes. Treatment must therefore also be based on physiological and psychological means. In some cases, the sadist may be prescribed with pharmaceuticals, such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers.

Furthermore, the individual may be enrolled in psychotherapy, or even a combination of the two. Group therapy can often be especially effective in this case. The aim of psychotherapy is to help the individual to understand the psychological causes and triggers associated with the behaviors and to address associated issues such as attachment and interpersonal difficulties.

No single approach to treatment works for everyone, and a personalized treatment plan is often needed. Regardless, early diagnosis is essential as it is likely that continued sadistic behavior will cause more harm to both the individual and the victim, so getting the help needed quickly is key.