Sex addiction is an absence of control over sexual thoughts, urges and impulses. While sexual impulses are natural, sex addiction only refers to excessive behavior that has a major negative impact on one's life.
Although sex addiction is just not listed as a diagnosable disorder within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), research suggests that excessive sexual behavior can develop like chemical dependence.
An individual with sex addiction could have a compulsive need for sexual stimulation. This desire often interferes with their ability to live their each day lives. Sexual addictions can are available many alternative forms, including dependence on:
- Sexual acts
- prostitution
- Viewing or consuming pornography
- Masturbation or sexual fantasy
- Exhibition or voyeurism
Sex addicts may change their activities to interact in sexual acts consistently and are unable to manage their behavior despite all the implications.
This compulsive sexual behavior can have serious personal consequences. Like drug or alcohol addiction, sex addiction can affect physical health, mental health, personal relationships, and quality of life.
Sexual addiction can present itself in many alternative ways, each physical and emotional. A medical skilled is required to make a transparent diagnosis. However, listed below are some signs which will indicate possible sex addiction:
Obsessive sexual thoughts
Someone scuffling with sex addiction may take into consideration sex consistently. These chronic thoughts about sex or sexual fantasies can turn out to be obsessive or interfere with other responsibilities.
Spend an excessive amount of time having sex
While looking for sexual partners is just not necessarily an indication of sexual addiction, it might be a warning sign if someone is spending an excessive period of time and energy on sex. This may include spending time getting sex, having sex, being sexual, or recovering from sexual experiences.
Feeling shame or depression
When the necessity for sex turns into an addiction, an individual's sexual feelings can also be riddled with feelings of fear, shame, depression, or regret. The person may feel ashamed of their sexual urges and the problem of controlling these urges.
They may even show signs of clinical depression or suicidal thoughts. Research shows that it is just not unusual for individuals with sexual compulsions to also show signs of depression, anxiety, and social anxiety. One study found that 28% of sexually compulsive men showed signs of depression, in comparison with 12% of the overall population.
Other activities are excluded
A sex addict may turn out to be so focused on sex that they’ve difficulty engaging in other activities. They may fall behind of their responsibilities in school, work, or of their personal lives, or turn out to be socially withdrawn. They can also prioritize sexual behavior over other types of rest or hobbies. This can affect relationships with friends, families and partners.
Masturbate excessively
While masturbation generally is a healthy strategy to explore sexuality and express one's sex drive, excessive masturbation generally is a sign of sexual addiction. This may appear like compulsive masturbation, masturbation at inappropriate times, and even masturbation to the purpose of causing physical discomfort or pain.
Engaging in dangerous or inappropriate behavior
In some cases, sexual addiction can result in inappropriate and/or dangerous sexual behavior. This can include exhibitionism, sex in public, sex without protection and sex with prostitutes.
In some cases, this could cause someone to develop sexually transmitted diseases. Studies have shown that those that discover as sexually compulsive have a better risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases akin to HIV.
Cheating partner
Someone with a sexual addiction may feel compelled to hunt sex with latest partners, even when it means cheating on their partner or having an extramarital affair. They may recurrently search out one-night stands and even cheat multiple times with different partners.
Committing criminal sexual offenses
In some extreme cases, people could also be involved in criminal activities akin to stalking, rape or child abuse. While some sex offenders can also be sex addicts, there isn’t a evidence that sex addiction can lead someone to commit sexual crimes.
Can a sex addict change? Yes, although treatment from a medical skilled akin to a psychologist, psychiatrist or sex therapist could also be required.
Depending on the underlying cause and the best way it manifests itself in an individual's personal life, treatment may vary. If sex addiction occurs together with one other underlying anxiety disorder or mood disorder, the treatment plan can also include medication.
Treatments may include:
- Individual therapy with a psychologist
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Group therapy
- Self-help groups
- Inpatient treatment
- Couples counseling or marriage counseling