Fighting a Fornication Fixation
June 02, 2023
sex addictionSex Addiction
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Compulsive sexual behavior, also known as sex addiction or hypersexuality, is a lack of control over intense sexual fantasies or urges that leads to repetitive sexual behavior, which may include masturbation, consuming pornography, having multiple sexual partners, cybersex, or paying for sexual activities. While the sexual urges are not necessarily problematic themselves, an issue develops when repeated sexual behaviors become a primary focus of an individual's life, negatively impacting health, relationships, other interests, or responsibilities. Signs of compulsive sexual behavior may include one or more of the following:
Compulsive sexual behavior can occur regardless of an individual's gender or sexual orientation, though it may be more common in men. The risk of compulsive sexual behavior may also be higher for people who have alcohol or drug use disorders, other mental health disorders, or childhood traumas, including sexual abuse.
While the causes of compulsive sexual behavior remain unknown, theories of possible causes include:
There is ongoing debate among mental health experts over how to classify compulsive sexual behavior. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, serves as the predominant guide for diagnosing mental health conditions in the United States and does not include compulsive sexual behavior as a diagnosis. However, the condition may sometimes be diagnosed as part of another mental health condition, such as an impulse control disorder or a behavioral addiction. In contrast, the World Health Organization recently identified compulsive sexual behavior disorder as a diagnosis, which it includes among impulse control disorders.
Determining if sexual behaviors have become a problem is not always straightforward, and more research is required to establish standard guidelines for diagnosis. Nevertheless, whether hypersexual behavior is a compulsion or an addiction, there are individuals engaging in these behaviors who would like to receive help with managing their behavior. There are mental health professionals who specialize in treating addictions, including and compulsive sexual behaviors. Compulsive sexual behavior may be treated with:
The principal goal of treatment for compulsive sexual behavior is to help individuals manage urges and reduce problematic behaviors while still enjoying healthy relationships.
