Final answer:
The diagnosis of a paraphiliac disorder requires consideration of distress or impairment, as well as potential harm to others, rather than societal norms such as consent, number of partners, or the legality or acceptability of the sexual practice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The diagnosis of a paraphiliac disorder focuses on distress, impairment, and potential harm, rather than on the mere presence of atypical sexual interests, which is referred to as paraphilia. It does not rely on the consent given or the legality of the sexual practice, which may address societal norms but are separate from clinical considerations of a disorder. The diagnosis is more concerned with the psychological and social aspects affecting an individual, such as the distress caused to the person or the risk of harm to others.
Specifically, a paraphiliac disorder is diagnosed based on the following criteria: the individual exhibits sexual desires or behaviors that involve nonhuman objects, suffering or humiliation (either their own or others'), or children or other nonconsenting individuals; these interests lead to significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning or when the satisfaction of these sexual desires involves harm or risk of harm to others.
Therefore, the number or gender of partners (B), whether the practice would be deemed unappealing by the population (E), or its legality (D) do not directly determine the classification of a paraphiliac disorder. In contrast, the equation of distress (C) considers the individual's psychological experience associated with the sexual practice.