Hypersexuality is recognized as a mental disorder
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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A group of scientists from the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at the University of California, Los Angeles, came to the conclusion that a long-known disease called hypersexuality is not a disease but a mental disorder.
Specialists attributed this specifically to mental abnormalities due to their similarity with other types of addiction, since the symptoms (periodically and intense sexual fantasies, unbridled sexual attraction) correspond to the clinic of mental disorders.
Experts conducted a survey in which 207 people, patients from psychiatric clinics, who sought help because of uncontrolled sexual behavior, depression and anxiety, participated. In 150 of them, there were obvious deviations in sexual behavior, and the 134th was diagnosed with a "hypersexual disorder".
It's not just about the increased sexual desire, the strongest need for sex and frequent change of partners, but about a deeper and more dangerous mental disorder.
According to the lead author of the research, Rory Reed, people with a diagnosis of hypersexuality can not live a normal, full-fledged life, they are constantly dependent on their sexual fantasies and desires, which go on about.
"People with such deviations are aware of the consequences of their actions, but their needs are still considered priority, despite the fact that such behavior can lead to problems, for example, spoiled relationships with relatives, loss of jobs or financial difficulties. Sex is in the first place, leaving all other realities behind, "says Dr. Reed.
In the future, the authors of the study plan to study the differences in the brain activity of patients with hypersexual disorders and healthy people. It is also planned to study possible similarities of such people with deviations, which are characteristic for addicts of alcohol, drugs, gambling and other kinds of dependence.
In the formation of human sexuality, the important role is played by the process of family upbringing.
Scientists are considering the introduction of hypersexuality in the journal "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," the periodical of the American Psychiatric Association, which contains the criteria used in the diagnosis of mental disorders.
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