This is a health condition in which a person experiences persistent sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors that usually cannot be controlled. Sometimes, this condition is called hypersexuality or sexual addiction. Compulsive sexual behavior may interact with your daily routine (such as a job) and cause problems with health, relationships, and others.
This condition involves different types of enjoyable sexual experiences. These include sexual arousal using a computer to communicate, multiple sexual partners, masturbation, or paying for sex. However, previous sexual behavior becomes a constant focus in a person’s life that is challenging to control resulting in different health problems.
In case this condition is left untreated it may lead to damage to self-esteem, relationships, career, and others.
Symptoms
The following symptoms do not always mean you have this condition. Check some examples below:
- Frequent and intense sexual fantasies, behaviors, and urges.
- Persistent urges to do some sexual behaviors but after that, you may feel guilt and deep regret.
- Unsuccessful tries to decrease or control sexual fantasies, urges, or behavior.
- Compulsive sexual behavior is used as a way to get rid of other problems (such as anxiety, stress, depression, loneliness, and others).
- You keep engaging in sexual behaviors nonetheless they provoke significant problems. These include the chance of getting or giving a sexually transmitted infection (STI), loss of relationships, difficulties at work, and financial or legal problems.
- Inability to maintain healthy relationships.
Furthermore, this condition may worsen over time if you do not receive treatment. Thus, if you experience any of the previous symptoms, seek medical care right away.
Causes
The exact cause of compulsive sexual behavior is not known. Check below some causes that could play a role:
- Brain’s chemical imbalance – There are certain chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) that control mood. These include Serotonin, Dopamine, and Norepinephrine. Abnormal sexual desire and behavior can happen if these neurotransmitters are out of balance.
- Brain conditions – Diseases such as dementia may damage certain brain parts responsible for sexual behavior. Moreover, medicines used to treat Parkinson’s disease also can provoke compulsive sexual behavior.
Risk Factors
There are some factors that could increase your risk of compulsive sexual behavior. Furthermore, this condition can negatively affect anyone no matter sexual orientation, race, or sex. Check below some examples of risk factors that may increase your risk of this condition:
- Misuse of alcohol or recreational drugs
- Other mental disorders (including gambling addiction, depression, anxiety, and others)
- Family conflicts
- A medical history of physical or sexual abuse
What Are The Potential Compulsive Sexual Behavior Complications?
The following complications can harm you and other people as well. For example:
- Low self-esteem, shame, or feelings of guilt
- Other mental health problems (including suicidal thoughts or behavior, severe distress, anxiety, depression, and others)
- Loss of relationships
- Difficulty focusing and concentrating
- Financial problems caused by buying pornography and other sexual services.
- Sexually transmitted infections (including hepatitis, HIV infection, chlamydia, and others)
- Misuse of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs
- People with this condition may get arrested for sexual offenses
How to Prevent Compulsive Sexual Behavior?
Preventing this mental disorder is not possible because the exact cause is not clear. However, the following tips can help you control abnormal behavior. For example:
- Early diagnosis and treatment for existing mental health issues can reduce the risk of getting compulsive sexual behavior.
- Discuss with your healthcare provider if you have problems with alcohol or drug use.
- Do not participate in situations that could increase your risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).
Diagnosis
Commonly, this mental disorder is diagnosed by mental health providers. They will perform a mental health examination which includes the following:
- Physical and mental examination
- Emotional well-being
- Questions about the misuse of alcohol, the use of illegal drugs, family, relationships, social life, concerns, and problems linked with compulsive sexual behavior
Additionally, during the diagnosis of compulsive sexual behavior, doctors may use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). This mental health problem is not classified as a diagnosis in this manual but as a part of another mental condition called impulse control disorder. Moreover, the World Health Organization also defines compulsive sexual behavior as a behavioral addiction or an impulse control disorder.
Treatment
The goal of the treatment for compulsive sexual behavior is to reduce urges and abnormal behavior associated with sexual activities. It often involves talk therapy (psychotherapy) and medicines. Those who suffer from this mental disorder commonly require treatment for another existing mental health problem.
People with addictions or severe mental diseases may need to be hospitalized.
Talk Therapy
This treatment method is effective in learning how to cope with compulsive sexual behavior symptoms. Check below some examples:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – CBT helps people with mental disorders gain new skills that help to manage stress and urges associated with sexual behavior.
- Mindfulness-based therapies – This treatment option helps people with compulsive sexual behavior overcome negative emotions and thoughts. Moreover, it may lessen anxiety and depression.
- Psychodynamic psychotherapy – This therapy helps to focus on conscious thoughts and behavior.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy – This is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps to accept urges and how to cope with them.
Medications
Sometimes, doctors may prescribe one or more of the following medicines along with talk therapy. Medications help to decrease sexual urges. Commonly, the medicines listed below are prescribed for other mental health problems. For example:
- Antidepressants – This group of medications usually are used to treat depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Naltrexone – This is a medication used to treat opiate and alcohol addiction. It works by blocking the brain part that feels pleasure.
- Mood stabilizers – Generally, mood stabilizers help people with bipolar disorder but can be effective in those who experience compulsive sexual urges.
- Anti-androgens – These medications are used to reduce the hormones that provoke men’s sexual urges (Androgens).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary symptoms of compulsive sexual behavior?
- Different sexual partners for long periods
- Excessive masturbation and pornographic content use
If you experience any of the previous symptoms, do not hesitate to visit a doctor.
What usually triggers compulsive sexual behavior symptoms?
- Anger
- Sadness
- Loneliness
- Boredom
- Sexual fantasies
Consult with your healthcare professional for more details.
What happens if a person with compulsive sexual behavior does not get treatment?
This mental disorder usually worsens over time without treatment. You may also notice some complications such as low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, depression, relationship issues, anxiety, and others. Ask your physician if you have additional questions.
