Is Sex Addiction a Real Thing?

Yep, and it’s a problem that can affect the whole family. Here’s how to recognise the signs of compulsive sexual behaviour disorder (CSBD), and how it can impact expat life.

- Amy Greenburg

While some people are quick to write off sex addiction as an attempt to make excuses for irresponsible behaviour, it’s important to understand that, like other types of addiction – including substance abuse and gambling disorders – sex addiction is a mental disorder recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO). And, each type of disorder has its own set of defined characteristics.

According to WHO, CSBD is characterised by a persistent pattern of failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges resulting in repetitive sexual behaviour. 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 recurring sexual behaviour;

• continued repetitive sexual behaviour despite adverse consequences or deriving little or no satisfaction from it; and,

• a pattern of failure to control intense, sexual impulses or urges, and resulting repetitive sexual behaviour, manifested over an extended period of time (six months or more), and which causes marked distress or significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

There are a number of behavioural criteria that set CSBD apart from other sexual behaviour that isn’t considered problematic, explains addictions specialist and psychiatrist DR MUNIDASA WINSLOW. It’s the combination of these criteria that enable practitioners to determine whether a person could benefit from treatment.