Last Updated on February 20, 2023 by Mike Robinson

Definition of Hypersexuality

Hypersexuality, also known as nymphomania or hypersexual disorder, is defined as an excessive increase in sexual activity in a person, leading to adverse social, emotional, and physical consequences. Hypersexuality and nymphomania are commonly linked. This is a misconception since hypersexuality encompasses both men and women. In contrast, nymphomania refers to women only. 

Movies like “Nymphomaniac” (von Trier, Lars 2013) or novels like “Diary of a Nymphomaniac” (Tasso, Valérie 2003) have promoted awareness in society about this type of sex addiction and helped to understand how people who have it feel or suffer.

About 6% of the population is estimated to suffer from some sexual disorder, of which 2% would fit into hypersexuality. However, weak studies on the Internet warn that the pathology may be increasing due to the development of platforms for sexual content.

If we rely on a study by the APA (Kafka, 2010), this reflects, in terms of gender difference, that male patients with HRT account for 85-87% of cases and in women, 13-15%.

Although people with impulsive disorders and sexual addiction experienced obsessive thoughts and behaviors, the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) did not recognize them until its last edition, in force since 2013.

In this manual, hypersexuality is included in the section on sexual dysfunctions, referred to as “hypersexuality” or “hypersexual disorder” (THS). Moreover, its traits are increased fantasies and their intensity, excitement, impulses, and non-paraphilic sexual behaviors. These traits are all associated with a component of impulsivity.

It should not involve patterns of sexual arousal such as fetishism, sadism, exhibitionism, or voyeurism. 

Causes of Hypersexuality

There is no consensus within the scientific community about the possible causes of this type of disorder. The most considered reasons are those related to traumatic experiences.

In many cases, there are traumas related to sexual abuse in childhood that affects sex addicts.

In other instances, the breakup or unpleasant experience with an affectionate partner result in the sense of failure that catalyzes the person to change their sexual behavior.

Genetics is also usually considered one of the possible causes. Specifically, some studies suggest that carriers of the DR D4 7G + gene have been unfaithful in 50% of cases, exceeding 22% of individuals who do not carry it.

Addiction to substances such as alcohol or drugs is associated with an impulsiveness that causes the sexual disorder.

This behavior can also promote other addictions, such as gambling or alcoholism.

Signs and Symptoms

Data gathered from studies list some of the most typical symptoms that a person with hypersexuality gets. The following list meets the DSM-V diagnostic criteria:

• Sexual fantasies that are frequent, intense, and time-consuming, interfering with other non-sexual obligations or objectives
• In response to affective dysphoria (depression, boredom, anxiety), stressful circumstances, or both, people may turn to sexual fantasies as an escape.
• They are trying to control those fantasies without any success.
• They do not consider how engaging in sexual behavior may put them or others at risk of physical or emotional harm.
• The sensation of sexual behavior-related personal, social, or professional discomfort.

Although many symptoms can directly or indirectly influence whether a person has HRT, the most visible are masturbation, addiction to cybersex, pornography, or sex as an emotional escape.

Although none of these activities are disorders or abnormal behavior, people suffering from THS are burdened by all the negative connotations they bring daily.

Excessive Masturbation

Masturbating between 5 and 15 times a day is usually the best indicator of whether someone has a sexual disorder. However, the consequences masturbation has on intimate relationships determine whether someone is addicted. The need to stimulate the genitals, post-masturbation dissatisfaction, or sexual repression due to societal pressure are some determinants that can affect relationships.

Cybersex 

The University of Rochester developed a list to determine when cybersex can become an addiction. The primary symptoms are the gradual increase in consumption, unsuccessful efforts to control this consumption or signs of irritability from not staying connected.

Pornography Consumption

In 2015, the pornographic Pornhub website uploaded nearly 88 million videos of sexual content. Sexually explicit words lead the search rankings on Google. We live in a consumer society of pornography. 

The average pornography customer spends between 10 and 12 minutes per day viewing pornography online. In contrast, sex addicts can spend between 2 and 3 hours. This negatively interferes with the functioning of their daily lives.

Sex as an Emotional Escape

Sexual addicts frequently struggle to comprehend issues that result in depressive or anxious feelings. They use sex as an outlet to relieve these feelings and deal with issues at work, low self-esteem, or a breakup with their partner.

It is advisable to be cautious when diagnosing whether a person suffers from a sexual addiction disorder. The barrier to determining what is normal when masturbating or consuming pornography, for example, varies depending on the person.

The APA study (Kafka, 2010) took a sample of 401 individuals diagnosed with symptoms related to HRT. However, only 41 patients (10.2%) fulfilled the requirements to be considered hypersexual.

Negative Consequences of Hypersexuality

The consequences of being addicted to sex are often quite negative and seriously affect those who suffer. Sex addiction can cause social deterioration in the person who suffers.

Couple breakups and family arguments frequently result from promiscuous attitudes, physical neglect, and especially the neglect of social and family activities. 

Economic issues are typically one of the most prevalent side effects of sex addiction. Examples include persistent legal issues resulting from sexual harassment and frequent visits to prostitution-related locations, such as strip clubs or massage parlors with sexual services. These difficulties can result in dismissal from employment.

Physical health can also suffer. Contracting sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS or unwanted pregnancies are usually some of the most frequent results.

According to a University of California study, at least 17% of the 200 participants diagnosed with sex addiction had lost their jobs, 39% had ended relationships, and 28% had developed a sexual illness.

Depressive disorders such as low self-esteem and suffering lead to loneliness resulting from losing freedom. The feeling of guilt for the sexual behavior has promoted extreme cases that have led to the suicide of the individual.

Treatment Options

In recent years, publications and research on sexual disorders have doubled and served as an instrument for detecting and treating people suffering from sex addiction.

Experts say that therapeutic use combined with psychological techniques and medication is one of the best ways to help someone. 

They are treatments with steps very similar to those used with people dependent on alcohol or drugs, and patients can express themselves and share feelings because of self-help.

 These treatments include:

• Self-control and reconditioning
• Preventing relapses of the same behavior
• Boosting self-esteem
• Managing the trauma that caused the disorder or contributing factors
• Couples therapy
• Awareness of the boundaries of sexual behavior
• Accepting responsibility for actions
• Rehabilitating degrading behavior.

 The most frequently prescribed drugs are SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants, particularly in cases of depression, stress, or anxiety.

 In any case, professionals should work to find the best method for the patient, considering their personality and the history of the problem. The ultimate goal is for the patient to be able to feel close to someone without being sexual and to be able to deal with sadness without using sex.

Conclusion

Lastly, the scientific community needs to keep working on figuring out how to classify sexual disorders and how to treat them so that they can be prevented and treated early in people who have them. This is especially important so that no cases do not meet the criteria for a sexual addict.

Related Article: Types of Personality Disorders