When we think of sexual addiction, we often picture individuals who engage in a pattern of sexual intercourse in order to get what they want. Whether a person seeks the physical satisfaction or the emotional connection with their partner, sexual addiction is a serious issue.
Sex addicts are often viewed as unrespectable by society because they function in unacceptable ways. Their actions may be motivated by power or dominance, but they are also often motivated by revenge or perverted anger.
Symptoms
Sexual addiction can lead to a number of problems. One common problem is obsessive thinking. People with this problem spend hours daydreaming about sex, and these thoughts lead to sexual activity. As a result, they may engage in multiple sexual partners, which increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
Another common problem is poor self-esteem. People who are addicted to sex often lack the emotional support needed to cope with negative feelings. These feelings can lead to depression, anxiety, and restlessness. Fortunately, there are ways to cope with sexual addiction and live a normal life without having to deal with it.
Other symptoms include alienation from partners and quick jumps from relationship to relationship. They may even have multiple partners or engage in non-sexy relationships. There are also physical manifestations, including frequent exposure to venereal disease and infections, and unwanted pregnancy in 70 percent of cases.
Treatment
Sexual addiction is a condition where an individual becomes overly obsessed with sex. There are several treatment options for this disorder. Behavioral therapies can address both the underlying causes of sexual addiction and the symptoms of the disorder. Individual therapy, group therapy, and family counseling can help an addict overcome sexual addiction. These methods are effective in some cases, but they may not be the best option for all patients.
The first step in treatment for sexual addiction is to recognize and acknowledge the symptoms of the disorder. Often, individuals with this problem feel embarrassment or shame. They might believe that hiding the problem will make it go away. However, if an individual ignores the symptoms, they can end up causing more damage.
While sex addiction is not a physical illness, it can be harmful to one’s health, relationships, and livelihood. However, treatment for sexual addiction can help an individual recover from the disorder before it reaches dangerous levels.
Prevalence
The prevalence of sexual addiction in both men and women is approximately three percent. However, it can vary wildly, according to studies. Some estimates put the proportion between men and women at two to five times higher. Others have found that the prevalence of sexual addiction is as high as forty percent. These findings suggest that the disease is not confined to one sex, but affects both men and women equally.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the occurrence of sexual addiction. For example, childhood sexual abuse is often associated with a greater likelihood of developing a sexual addiction. In addition, a history of abuse by a parent or other loved one is an important risk factor. However, the greatest influence on the development of sex addiction is abuse. According to a research study by Ferree, seventy-two percent of sex addicts reported physical abuse.
The study used a questionnaire to collect sociodemographic data about the participants. This included information about the participants’ age, gender, education level, housing, marital status, and employment status. The questionnaires also asked questions about sexual habits and attitudes. For example, the respondents were asked to rate their own sexuality and their partner’s. Those who scored above ten were considered to have an addiction.
Diagnosis
While there are currently no FDA-approved medications for sexual addiction, a healthcare provider will be able to prescribe the best treatment options for the patient. First-line treatments include antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Anti-androgens, which target male sex hormones, are another option for treatment. Both of these drugs can reduce obsessive behaviors and reduce sexual desire.
The first step toward a diagnosis of sexual addiction is to determine whether the patient meets diagnostic criteria. In many cases, a patient will recognize a pattern of addictive behaviors and thoughts. In addition, he or she will admit to engaging in behaviors that are inconsistent with his or her values. This pattern of behavior often indicates that the person is experiencing problems with self-control.
Although there is no universally accepted criteria for assessing sexual addiction, clinical assessments are critical in identifying the disease and developing treatment plans. Some clinicians may choose a behavioral assessment, while others may opt for an objective one. A clinical assessment should include an assessment of a person’s motivations, the severity of their symptoms, and their treatment options.