Sexual Addiction Research Paper

507 Words2 Pages

Not many people believe that sexual addiction, hypersexuality, or sex compulsion is “real” or rather, a disorder. While some believe that it is a behavior addiction, others believe that this is a fake addiction that justifies the behavior of having intercourse with an abundant of individuals. This calls into question as to whether or not there is an explanation to this addiction or is it an excuse? Sexual addiction sparks controversy among therapist. Although it is not listed in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), it is a real psychological intimacy disorder that many individuals are affected by. These individuals that suffer from sexual addiction possess compulsive sexual thoughts and acts. Similar to other addictions, …show more content…

According to the American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM), addiction is the pathological pursuit of “reward and/or relief by substance abuse or other behaviors” (2011). Many of whom suffer from sex addiction act out (sexually) in which they cannot control. They abuse this sexual compulsion to relieve that certain itch, similar to alcohol- to cope, to lower anxiety and inhibitions. However, the Diagnostic of Statistical Manual (DSM-V) does not include a category of diagnosis for sexual addiction because they believe this behavior does not exist. Seems rather political than medical. Studies and research on sexual addiction is relatively weak. There is no prevalent surveys of sex addiction (all while using validated addiction criteria) or research study on those who show up for treatment. Perhaps, many people are afraid to come forward to this addiction because it is shunned by society- some may be religious and do not want to be looked down upon, others may be embarrassed. The discussion of sex, pornography, masturbation, etc. is rarely spoken about ‘out loud’ because many people feel uncomfortable and are sensitive to this information. In order to be classified as a disorder, the DSM-V includes guidelines as to how it could be (APA

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