To be diagnosed with voyeurism, the person must be at least what age?

In the DSM-5, voyeurism, clinically referred to as voyeuristic disorder, requires that the individual is at least 18 years old to meet the diagnostic criteria. This age requirement is rooted in the understanding that certain sexual disorders, including voyeurism, typically manifest during or after adolescence and that individuals under 18 may not have fully developed the normative understanding of sexual behavior and consent.

The implication of this age threshold ensures that the diagnosis pertains to adult behavior, which carries significant legal and ethical components, particularly concerning the non-consensual observation of others engaged in private activities. Establishing the age at 18 aligns with various legal definitions pertaining to adulthood and consent across numerous jurisdictions, reinforcing the importance of maturity and responsibility in the context of sexual behavior.

Understanding these elements highlights why 18 is a critical cutoff for the diagnosis of voyeurism, distinguishing it from other behaviors that might be exhibited by younger individuals who may not yet possess the same understanding of these dynamics.