Page:Psychopathia Sexualis (tr. Chaddock, 1892).djvu/403

 Another category of exhibitionists is made up of epileptics. This category is essentially to be distinguished from the foregoing, in that a conscious motive for the exhibition is wanting; and it appears much more like an impulsive act which, without any consideration of external circumstances, is performed as if it were an abnormal organic necessity.

At the time of the act there is always a state of imperfect consciousness; and thus is explained the fact that the unfortunate individual, without consciousness of the meaning of his act, or, at least, without cynicism, does it in obedience to a blind impulse. On regaining consciousness, he regrets and abhors it if there is not permanent mental weakness.

The prime motive in this state of imperfect consciousness, as with other impulsive acts, is a feeling of apprehensive oppression. If a sexual feeling become associated with it, then the ideas are given a certain direction in the sense of a corresponding (sexual) act.

How sexual ideas very easily arise temporarily in epileptics may be understood from the discussion under "Epilepsy."

If, however, such an association has once been formed; if a particular act has taken place in an attack,—it is the more easily repeated in every subsequent attack; for, so to speak, a known tract has been established in the path of motivity.

The feeling of anxiety, with the state of imperfect consciousness, causes the associated sexual impulse to appear as a command,—an inner force, which is acted upon in a purely impulsive manner and in a state of absolute irresponsibility.

Case 170. K., a subordinate official, aged 29; of neuropathic family; living in happy marriage, and the father of one child. He has repeatedly, especially at dusk, exhibited himself to servant-girls. K. is tall, slim, pale, nervous, and hasty in manner. There is imperfect memory of the crimes. Since childhood there have been frequent severe congestive attacks, with intense flushing of the face, a rapid, tense pulse, and a fixed, absent stare. At the same time there were, now and then, confusion and vertigo. In this (epileptic) exceptional state K. would answer only after repeated questioning, and then it was as if he were waking from a dream. K. states that he has always felt excited and restless for some hours before his criminal acts, and experienced a feeling of fear, with