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Hypersexuality is recognized as a mental disorder
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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A group of scientists from the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at the University of California, Los Angeles, have come to the conclusion that the long-known disease called hypersexuality is not a disease at all, but a mental disorder.
Experts attributed this to mental disorders due to its similarity to other types of addiction, since the symptoms (periodic and intense sexual fantasies, unbridled sexual desire) correspond to the clinical picture of mental disorders.
The experts conducted a survey involving 207 people, patients of psychiatric clinics who sought help due to uncontrolled sexual behavior, depression and anxiety. Of them, 150 were found to have obvious deviations in sexual behavior, and 134 were diagnosed with hypersexual disorder.
We are not just talking about increased sexual desire, a strong need for sex and frequent changes of partners, but about a deeper and more dangerous mental disorder.
According to the lead author of the research, Rory Reed, people diagnosed with hypersexuality cannot live a normal, fulfilling life; they are constantly dependent on their sexual fantasies and desires, which they follow.
"People with these disorders are aware of the consequences of their actions, but they still prioritize their needs, despite the fact that such behavior may lead to problems, such as damaged relationships with loved ones, loss of a job, or financial difficulties. Sex comes first, leaving all other realities behind," says Dr. Reed.
In the future, the authors of the study plan to study the differences in brain activity of patients with hypersexual disorders and healthy people. They also plan to study possible similarities between such people and deviations that are typical for people addicted to alcohol, drugs, gambling and other types of addiction.
The process of family education plays an important role in the formation of human sexuality.
Scientists are considering adding hypersexuality to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a periodical of the American Psychiatric Association that contains criteria used to diagnose mental disorders.
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