Exhibitionistic disorder may be present when there is sexual arousal from the exposure of one's genitals to an unsuspecting and nonconsenting person. This disorder prevalence is unknown but we know it is highly unusual in females. It generally starts at adolescence and its course is likely to vary with age. There are temperamental and environmental risk factors.

Most of what we know about exhibitionistic disorder is largely based on research with individuals convicted for criminal acts involving genital exposure, and this may represent an important bias. From a clinical case of exhibitionism, the authors intend to review this type of paraphilia from an historical, conceptual and etiologic point of view.

To review the concept behind this diagnosis and its evolution, the comprehensive theories that attempt to justify and frame it, as well as the type of intervention currently considered to be the state of the art.

Patient's observation and assessment, along with an extensive review of the relevant literature.

Starting from a real clinical case, the authors present a general theoretical review on the subject.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.