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Sex addiction is a hotly debated topic. The scientific community banters back and forth about the validity of the diagnosis. It’s true, The DSM-V, essentially the bible in which professionals use for diagnosis and treatment, does not list “sexual addiction” or “compulsive sexual disorder” as a diagnosable condition.
But… the World Health Organization Does. The WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations Agency tasked with promoting health and well-being for all people to the highest standard of care. In 2018, the organization listed “Out of Control Sexual Behavior Disorder” as a mental health condition in its International Classification of Diseases list.
Out-of-Control Sexual Behavior Disorder is characterized by a persistent pattern of failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges resulting in repetitive sexual behavior.
Symptoms may include:
- repetitive sexual activities becoming a central focus of the person’s life to the point of neglecting health and personal care or other interests, activities, and responsibilities
- numerous unsuccessful efforts to significantly reduce repetitive sexual behavior
- continued repetitive sexual behavior despite adverse consequences or deriving little or no satisfaction from it. (Source: World Health Organization)
Out-of-control sexual behaviors can include:
- Masturbation
- Simultaneous or repeated sequential affairs
- Pornography
- Multiple anonymous partners
- Partner sexualization, objectification
- Sexual aversion
- Cyber sex, phone sex
- Unsafe sexual activity
- Strip clubs and adult bookstores
- Prostitution
Those struggling with sexual addiction typically present in my office with anxiety about the type of sex or amount of sex they are having; relational difficulties around sexual dysfunction; depression related to low self-esteem about sexual difficulties; or they already have awareness about sexual addiction, and they are referred to me by a current or former client.
Seeking treatment, whether for sexual addiction or the presenting issues of depression, anxiety or trauma, is a courageous act. No one is immune to sexual addiction or addiction in general. The disease doesn’t care who you are or where you are from; if you are experiencing pain or have experienced trauma in your life and have limited coping strategies, addiction or numbing can become an unhealthy coping tool.
You don’t have to fight the battle alone. Schedule an individual therapy appointment today. I can help you navigate the complexities of sobriety and recovery. There is a solution; just ask for help.
You may also benefit from attending 12-Step programs for sex addiction (Sex Addicts Anonymous, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, or Sexual Compulsives Anonymous).
