Which statement best describes Transvestic Disorder?

• A. Fantasies about cross-dressing
• B. Cross-dressing as a behavior not related to sexual arousal
• C. Cross-dressing for sexual arousal
• D. Arousal from voyeurism

Answer: (C)

Cross-dressing as a source of sexual arousal is what defines Transvestic Disorder. The essential point is that the cross-dressing functions as a sexual cue or stimulus, and the person experiences recurrent, intense arousal from this behavior, often with distress or impairment as a result. This distinguishes it from mere fantasies about cross-dressing or cross-dressing done for nonsexual reasons. Arousal from voyeurism points to a different paraphilia altogether, not to cross-dressing itself. So the statement that cross-dressing for sexual arousal best fits the disorder.