Compulsive Sexual Behavior And Mental Health Problem

In this time period, there are many different disorders and illnesses that go unnoticed, and unknown. Society creates stereotypes about illnesses such as obsessive compulsive disorder, clinical Depression, and many other mental afflictions. Another that seems to remain controversial and misunderstood is sexual compulsive behaviors. Many see it as an excuse to act a certain way, or think a certain way; in reality it is a serious mental disorder that can cause devastating effects on the people that are consumed by them and the people who are around them. Something that is however, known about sexual compulsive behaviors is that there are certain things that can emotionally damage a person and cause them to have these behaviors. The three

Focusing on just natural clarifications of human conduct, the Biological Theory trusts that physiological variables tremendously affect sexual conduct. Scholars regularly take a gander at anomalous hormonal and androgenic levels in the body and cerebrum to depict freak sexual practices as in rising hormones are identified with physical changes that advance sexual excitement, climax, discharge, and other sexual movement. "In spite of the fact that a survey of natural studies indicates clashing results about the relationship between

This critical review will attempt to summarize the book “Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction” written by, Dr. Mark R. Laaser. Highlighting all the central themes and giving an in-depth analysis of Dr. Laaser’s work on the subject of sexual addiction. It will give his perspective and evidence to support it from the book and other sources. In this review you will find that

The love addict may crave the previous feeling and begin to experience a relapse (Burkett, 2012). There will be a decrease in the release of biochemicals such as serotonin, oxytocin, phenylethylamine, and endorphins in the brain. As a result, the addict will no longer experience happiness, positivity, good mental activity or have the ability to sleep. In contrast, there will be an increase of stress hormones, cortisol and epinephrine, in the brain which will lower the immune function draining an addict of energy (Burkett, 2012). To experience these pleasant sensations in the brain again, the love addict may repeat the cycle by replacing their significant other with a new

Patrick Carnes(2004) is a PhD who has been at the forefront of sexual addition. To date he has written ten books on the topic and is currently working on two more. While he agrees that the disorder is difficult to understand, he has devoted a great deal of time to creating a better understanding and making sure that those who suffer from the disease can be properly diagnosed and receive necessary treatment. As with the diagnosis of any disease, there must be a concrete list of symptoms and the patient must experience all or some to be diagnosed. Therefore, Carnes(2004) has developed ten specific characteristics that he feels define a sex addict. A list of symptoms has made the disease easier to diagnose because psychologists and researchers are now able to look for the above specific traits. However, despite these concrete symptoms, the addiction can be difficult to diagnose because addicts tend to be secretive and too embarrassed to share details about what happens behind closed doors. The disorder can also be masked by other forms of Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Manic Depression. Some of the other common obsessions that may coexist with a sexual addiction are gambling, food, alcohol and drugs. Many researchers believe that sexual addiction may be the root of the problem by

Some researchers have prompt that sure sorts of biological factors, like hormones, contribute to why people have interaction in sex offensive behaviors. Perhaps most typical at intervals this class is that the role of high androgen levels, that are found to be related to exaggerated drive and aggression. Perhaps most common within this category is the role of high testosterone levels, which have been found to be associated with increased sex drive and aggression. Some researchers have prompt that sure sorts of biological factors, like hormones, contribute to why people have interaction in sex offensive behaviors. Perhaps most typical at intervals this class is that the role of high androgen levels, that are found to be related to exaggerated

Sex addiction becomes an overriding power in a person's life and takes it out of their control. Their behavior deviates from the norm, but in such a way that it is unnoticeable by relatives or loved ones because it is so secretive. Typical actions of a sex addict include: compulsive masturbation, multiple affairs outside of a marriage, consistent use of pornography, practice of unsafe sex, sexual anorexia, multiple anonymous partners, phone or cybersex, sexual massages, escorts, prostitutes, and prostitution (2). There are also manifestations within the act of sex itself

Hormones have, throughout history been touted as the "cause" behind homosexuality. There is currently no scientific evidence to prove this. There are correlations between unusual prenatal hormone levels and abnormal sexual behavior later in life, however, evidence gathered from studies of phenomena such as this can be easily argued away.

The underlying causes of out-of-control sexual behavior has led to contentious arguments, since the underlying causes of the behavior determine how it should be treated. This literature review looks at the possible causes of sexual dysfunction in the form of overactive sexual activities. Using internet search terms including sexual addiction, sexual dependency, and hypersexuality, information was gathered on historical and current viewpoints on the causes of such behavior to determine whether overactive sexual activity should be classified as an addiction. Factors including psychological issues, comorbidity issues, and social issues were examined. While there are limited studies that indicate that the brain of those who participate in risky sexual behavior respond in much the same way as those who experience drug addiction, there is strong evidence that these behaviors are brought about by underlying causes such as child sexual abuse and psychological disorders such as bi-polar disorder. Careful examination of the patient’s history should be conducted to determine if overactive sexual activity is due to an underlying condition.

Thus far we have been looking at healthy individuals regarding sexual motivation and sexual behavior. However, there are also studies that specifically look at individuals with compulsive sexual behaviors. Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) or hypersexuality has been difficult to define. There are those that would measure it purely based on the number of orgasms an individual achieves in a specified time frame, but as Bradford (2001) stated there needs to also be an interference with the individual’s life rather than just the actual completion of orgasms. In a study by Voon and associates (2014), the researchers used the definition for CSB as excessive or problematic engagement in sex. This definitions encompasses both those individuals

AIS has been found to be helpful in differentiating asexual from sexual individuals. After the assessment, approximately 93% of participants who identified themselves asexual stayed in their original group assigned to them. The remaining members are placed into the sexual category. To diagnose participant for HSDD, research as them to indicate their symptom based on the criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, 4th edition, text revised (APA, 2000). The diagnostic helps research indicates which group each member belongs to; HSDD criteria A, B, or C. Participant who declared all of HSDD Criterion A claims that they experience persistently or recurrently deficient sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity. Individuals who were considered Criterion B described their absence of sexual fantasies and their desire of sexual activity causes them distress. Finally, those in Criterion C would state that their deficiency of sexual fantasies and their desire of sexuality “are not better accounted for by a mental health disorder (such as depression), a legal or illegal drug, or some other medical condition.” However, those who does not fit any of these descriptions were out of the sexual comparison group.

According to goodtherapy.org, sex addiction is any compulsive, sexually motivated behavior that is acted out regardless of any negative consequences that the behavior might have on one’s life. Unfortunately, sex addiction is not yet recognized by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) as a disease but it is believed to be more of an obsessive disruptive disorder.

In this time there are so many illnesses and disorders that go either unknown or unseen.One that seems to go misunderstood is sexual compulsive behavior, also known as sexual addiction. Other ways to refer to it is sexual dependency, hypersexuality, nymphomania(for females) and satyriasis(for males). Sexual addiction is the phenomenon in which people can not control their sexual behavior and urges. Those who have this disease is obsessed with sexual thoughts and don 't have the ability to control their urges.

How do people develop an addiction to sex? Sex is such a popular topic in these modern times, why wouldn’t there be an addiction to it? The media is obsessed with sex because “sex sells.” What is sex addiction, anyway? It is hard to pin an exact definition to the name. Sex addiction has been defined as sexual compulsivity, hypersexuality, and/or sex dependency (Hall,2011). One of the problems I see with these attempts of defining sex addiction is how do we define how much sex is too much? Where is the line drawn between having average sexual activity and hypersexuality? To help define sex addiction more definitely, we must look at the signs and symptoms. Some signs and symptoms include the inability to resist sexual impulses, even if it puts the individual in danger, the obsession of sex and the behavior regarding it, an unusual amount of time used for engaging in sexual behaviors or pursuing it, engaging in dangerous sexual situations such as the transmittance of STDs, and multiple failing attempts to stop the compulsive sexual behavior (Emerald Coast Collaborative Solutions, no date).

Before one can begin to understand the complexities of sexual addiction it must be adequately defined. The National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity has defined sexual addiction as “engaging in persistent and escalating patterns of sexual behavior acted out despite increasing negative consequences to self and others.” (Herkov) It is important to note that this means that sexual addiction isn’t just the desire to have sex more than normal but also that the addict engages in activities regardless of and consequences. The addict must also escalate their behaviors over a period of time in order to be considered an addict. This doesn’t mean escalating it to illegal actions but merely increasing the rate at which they engage in the