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Sexual Behavior |
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Compulsive sexual behavior
From MayoClinic.com The disorder is most common among men. Sexual addiction is an overwhelming desire to have sex. Sexual behavior becomes a problem and is considered an addiction when it is repeated often enough to interfere with normal daily living. Addictive sexual behavior interferes with relationships, work, friendships, and lifestyle. Its used a number of labels for this potentially serious condition. It's sometimes called hypersexuality, nymphomania, erotomania or perversion. Some doctors call it sexual obsession. Others use the term sexual addiction, comparing it with the uncontrolled use of a drug. While it's difficult to accurately assess the number of people with this disorder, experts estimate that as many as one in 20 people exhibits compulsive sexual behavior. Signs and symptoms Sexual behavior becomes a problem and is considered compulsive when it's repeated often enough to interfere with your normal daily living and with your relationships. If your sexual behavior is compulsive, you may display it in a number of ways, including:
Many people who are sexually obsessed are married and appear to live otherwise normal lives. They often lead double lives and may have difficulty establishing and maintaining emotional intimacy. Sexually obsessive behavior tends to be chronic, intense and beyond your control. Although you may seek gratification through sexually compulsive behavior, you're unlikely to achieve fulfillment over the long term. In fact, you may feel that your life is becoming increasingly empty. People with compulsive sexual behavior often use sex as an escape from other problems, such as loneliness, depression, anxiety or stress. Causes Many experts believe that other psychological disorders underlie sexual obsessions and compulsions. Sexual obsession may be a maladaptive coping mechanism for other emotional problems, including mood and personality disorders. For example, if you grew up in a dysfunctional family or were sexually, emotionally or physically abused as a child, you may have developed an unhealthy attitude toward sex. These early traumatic experiences may lead you to feel shameful and unworthy, emotions that can inhibit normal sexual expression and intimacy and can result in extremes in sexual activity. If you're feeling lonely and depressed, you may perceive your sexual compulsions as a way of filling the voids in your life. But even if compulsive sexual behavior brings you short-term relief, your negative feelings are likely to return, often at an intensified level. In some cases, compulsive sexual behavior can be caused by a neurologic disorder, such as epilepsy or Alzheimer's disease. When to seek medical advice Most people with compulsive sexual behavior need professional treatment. Attempts at self-care are usually unsuccessful because, by definition, a sexual compulsion tends to be beyond a person's control. Some questions you can ask yourself are:
If you're concerned that you're obsessed with sex, look for a doctor who specializes in treating sexual behavior disorders. Your family doctor may be able to give you the name of such a specialist, or you can contact a nearby major medical center and ask for a referral. Complications If you experience sexual obsessions and compulsions, you run the risk of wide-ranging negative consequences. For example, you may:
Treatment A number of treatments are available for compulsive sexual behavior:
Compulsive sexual behavior > next > 1 > 2 > 3 > 4
Related Site: Treatments Treatments Programs:
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