Hypersexuality – symptoms and treatment

Hypersexuality is not just a high libido or intense thoughts about sex. It is a condition in which sexual behavior takes control of one’s life, despite awareness of its destructive impact. Therapists note that people affected by this disorder often try repeatedly to curb their behavior, but without professional help they rarely succeed. Find out what characterizes hypersexuality and how it can be treated.

What is hypersexuality?

In therapy, hypersexuality isdescribed asa pattern of sexual behavior over which a person loses control. It is similar to addiction – despite negative consequences and attempts to stop, the behavior continues. The problem often starts innocently, such as an excessive drive, a strong focus on the sexual sphere, but over time it requires more and more time and energy, gradually disrupting normal functioning.

What is hyperlibidemia?

Hyperlibidemia is a condition characterized by excessively heightened sexual desire. It is a medical term used to describe a condition in which a person experiences a significantly elevated libido, beyond the norms typical for age and cultural context. People affected by hyperlibidemia often experience not only the physical discomfort of constant sexual arousal, but also profound psychological suffering – feelings of shame, social isolation and lack of control over their lives.

This state of heightened sexual desire can have a variety of causes, from hormonal disorders to neurological conditions to side effects of certain medications or untreated psychological trauma.

Differences between hiberlibidemia and hypersexuality

Hyperlibidemia:

• Is a strictly medical condition associated with increased sexual desire.
• Increased sexual desire often has a hormonal or neurological basis.
• It is characterized primarily by a physiological increase in sexual needs.
• The main symptom is constantly elevated sexual arousal.
• It usually requires endocrine or neurological intervention.
• It can be a side effect of certain medications or diseases.

Hypersexuality:

• This is a broader term that includes behavioral disorders.
• It often has a psychological basis or is related to trauma.
• It is characterized by compulsive sexual behavior.
• Includes a wider range of symptoms, including obsessive sexual thoughts and behaviors.
• Requires mainly psychotherapeutic intervention.
• Often co-occurs with other psychiatric disorders.

7 warning signs of hypersexuality – symptoms of hypersexuality

The most important signals are:

1. Being regularly late for work due to browsing pornography in the morning.
2. Checking dating apps during important meetings or conversations.
3. Symptoms of hypersexuality affect engaging in casual sexual contact, often despite having a steady relationship.
4. Spending significant amounts of money on pornographic content or sexual services.
5. Neglecting family responsibilities in favor of sexual activity.
6. Continuing risky behavior despite promises to change.
7. Experiencing severe anxiety when trying to curb the behavior.

Diagnosis of hypersexuality – criteria

According to the latest ICD-11 classification, hypersexuality is classified as compulsive sexual behavior disorder (code: 6C72).

The following criteria must be met for diagnosis:

Temporal criteria

• Symptoms must persist for at least 6 months.
• The behaviors must be intense and repetitive.
• The problem must show constancy and regularity.
• Single episodes are not a basis for diagnosis.

Diagnostic criteria

1. Loss of control over sexual behavior:

• Repeated failures in attempts to control or reduce behavior.
• Sexual behavior becomes a dominant part of life.
• The pattern of behavior persists despite negative consequences.

Impact on functioning:

• Significant disruptions in personal life.
• Difficulties in family relationships.
• Problems at work or school.
• Noticeable deterioration in other important areas of life.

Exclusion of other causes:

• The behaviors are not the result of psychoactive substance use.
• They do not result from other mental disorders.
• They are not a side effect of medications used.

Important in diagnosis

• The diagnosis must be made by a qualified specialist.
• It is necessary to rule out other disorders, including bipolar disorder
• A high sex drive alone is not the basis for a diagnosis.
• The element of loss of control and negative consequences is important.

The mechanism of the problem

Hypersexuality develops gradually. At first, sexual behavior may seem like a way to cope with stress or loneliness. Over time, however, the need becomes stronger, and previous forms of activity are no longer sufficient. The sufferer begins to devote more and more time to sexual behavior, neglecting other areas of life.

Vicious circle mechanism

• Difficult emotions lead to sexual behavior.
• Sexual behavior causes shame and guilt.
• Shame reinforces difficult emotions and increases feelings of isolation.
• The cycle repeats, becoming more intense.

The impact on daily life when sexuality begins to dominate

Hypersexuality can carry serious consequences affecting almost every aspect of life. Magda, a 32-year-old designer, initially considered her heightened sex drive a source of energy and self-confidence. Over time, however, she observed that her sexual behavior began to dominate her daily responsibilities – she missed important professional meetings, neglected relationships with loved ones, and her romantic relationships fell apart due to her inability to maintain intimate boundaries.

Compulsive sexual behavior can lead to risks of sexually transmitted diseases, financial problems related to spending on sexual activity, or addiction to pornography. At the same time, people experiencing hypersexuality often struggle with feelings of shame, social isolation and difficulty building authentic relationships based on trust.

At first glance, hypersexuality (the colloquial name for sexaholism or sex addiction) may seem like a beneficial phenomenon. For many, it becomes a coping mechanism – it reduces emotional tension and gives the illusion of control over one’s life. It also creates the illusion of closeness and acceptance, while allowing people to avoid real intimacy in relationships. These apparent benefits mean that people affected by hypersexuality often fail to recognize the destructive impact of their behavior for a long time, treating it as a way to escape from real problems.

Studies show that hypersexuality can be the result of deeper psychological problems, such as trauma, mood disorders or borderline personality disorder. In the case of Mark, a 45-year-old manager, compulsive sexual behavior was a way of coping with chronic stress and unexpressed emotions. His marriage fell apart after 15 years when his wife discovered his numerous infidelities and addiction to pornography. It wasn’t until therapy that he realized his behaviors were an attempt to escape a deep sense of loneliness and low self-esteem.

While an increased libido may initially seem attractive and have a positive effect on self-confidence, without proper control and therapeutic support it can lead to devastating consequences for mental health, physical health, and social and professional life. People affected by hypersexuality often experience problems at work due to obsessive sexual thoughts that make it difficult to concentrate. They may also put themselves in risky situations, ignoring their own safety in pursuit of sexual satisfaction. What’s more, sex addiction can lead to serious legal problems, especially when compulsive behavior crosses the boundaries of others or the law.

Thefinancial aspect is also not insignificant – sex addiction often involves spending significant amounts of money on sexual services, pornography or erotic gadgets, which can lead to serious debts and economic destabilization. In extreme cases, those affected by addiction can lose their life savings, fall into a debt spiral and even commit financial crimes to satisfy their compulsions.

The problem of hypersexuality particularly affects the realm of relationships. The partner of a person with hypersexuality often feels inadequate and rejected. Lies and concealment occur, and trust is violated. Even if there is no infidelity, constantly increased sexual desire, sexual fantasies about other people, obsessive thinking about sex and compulsive masturbation create emotional distance in the relationship.

Treatment of hypersexuality

4 primary areas of treatment:

1. Individual psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy. Regular sessions help understand the sources of the problem and develop new strategies for coping with impulses. The therapist helps identify triggers and build healthy behavioral control mechanisms.
2. Support groups. Meeting with people who have had similar experiences reduces feelings of shame and isolation. Participants share coping strategies and support each other in the healing process.
3. Couples therapy. If a person is in a relationship, couples therapy becomes a key part of treatment. It helps rebuild trust and repair the damage caused by hypersexuality.
4. Psychiatric consultation. In some cases, pharmacological support is needed, especially when hypersexuality is accompanied by other problems, such as depression or anxiety disorders.

The most common obstacles to treatment:

1. Shame. Often stops people from seeking help. People with hypersexuality may feel “spoiled” or “immoral” Meanwhile, it is a problem like any other and requires professional help.
2. Denial. “It’s not a real problem”, “I can handle it myself” – such thinking can delay treatment for many years.
3. Fear of disclosure. Fear of disclosing the problem at work or in the family keeps people from seeking help.
4. Misconceptions. “Therapy doesn’t work,” “no one can help me.” – such thoughts often stem from previous unsuccessful attempts to control behavior on their own.

You can regain control and recover from addiction

If you are struggling with hypersexuality, you may feel deep shame and a sense of helplessness. However, please remember that you deserve help and a better life. The problem you are struggling with is recognizable and treatable.

You may have tried many times to cope on your own. Real change usually requires professional support – this is not weakness, but a display of courage and responsibility for your life.

The first step is to talk to a specialist, remember – a therapist is not there to judge, but to help. It’s worth looking for specialists with experience in treating behavioral addictions. You can start with an initial consultation and decide together on the next steps.

Bibliography:

Reid, R. C., & Kafka, M. P. (2023). “Compulsive sexual behavior disorder in ICD-11: current understanding and future directions” Journal of Behavioral Addictions.

Kraus, S. W., & Sweeney, P. J. (2024). “Treatment of compulsive sexual behavior: A cognitive-behavioral therapy approach”.

Sbraga, T. P., & O’Donohue, W. T. (2003). “The Sex Addiction Workbook: Proven strategies to help you regain control of your life.”

Reid, R. C. (2013). “Personal Perspectives on Hypersexual Disorders.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5775124/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8220133_Sexual_addiction_sexual_compulsivity_sexual_impulsivity_or_what_Toward_a_theoretical_model