
Sex Addiction Diagnosis and Treatment
Sex addiction is used to describe a person that struggles with compulsive sexual behaviors. Learn the signs and symptoms of sex addiction in this article.
Table of Contents
What is Sexual Addiction?
Sex addiction is one of the most controversial addictions. It is debated whether Addicted to sex is an actual disorder, making it more difficult to diagnose and treat. However, for people struggling with Addicted to sex, it is important to seek out help.
The DSM-5 does not list it as an addiction, but people continue to study it. People can be diagnosed with Addicted to sex still through the DSM-5 under a different category, but most doctors use the ICD-10 criteria.1
Symptoms of Sex Addiction
The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. Some of the common sex addiction symptoms include:1
- Compulsive relationships
- Obsessive sexual fantasies or thoughts
- Unable to stop compulsive sexual behaviors
- Deceiving or lying when speaking about behaviors
- Putting oneself in dangerous situations
- Feelings of guilt or regret after sexual interactions
- Preoccupation with sex
- Sexual behaviors interfere with daily life
ICD-10 Criteria
Sex addiction is “a compulsive need to perform sexual acts in order to achieve the kind of ‘fix’ that a person with alcohol use disorder gets from a drink.”1 Addicted to sex can have an extreme effect on a person, and it can destroy their relationships and life.
Because there is not a specific definition, doctors will describe it in different ways. Some people describe it as struggling with compulsive masturbation, use of pornography, or putting oneself inside of sexually stimulating situations. Other doctors might argue that a person with Addicted to sex must seek out multiple partners. Regardless, a person with Addicted to sex might struggle with altering their daily routines to get a fix from sexual behaviors multiple times a day.1
What is Compulsive Sexual Behavior?
Compulsive sexual behavior is “an excessive preoccupation with sexual fantasies, urges or behaviors that [are] difficult to control, causes you distress, or negatively affects your health, job, relationships or other parts of your life.”2
Compulsive sexual behavior can range from masturbation to soliciting prostitutes. Ultimately, the behavior must be compulsive, unable to be controlled.
Causes of Sex Addiction
Scientists and psychologists still do not understand the roots of sex addiction very well. There are some factors that doctors have isolated that might have an impact:3
- Neurotransmitters
- An abnormal frontal lobe
- Some medications
- Family dynamics, specifically with parental relationships
- Child abuse
- Irregular emotions
Diagnosis of Sex Addiction
How is Sex Addiction Diagnosed?
Other Signs of Sex Addiction
There are a few other signs that a person might be struggling with sex addiction. If their mind seems to be preoccupied with sex or fantasy, or their behaviors get to the point that it is damaging their job, family, friends, and relationships, then that is a sign a person might be struggling with Addicted to sex. Money disappearing, behaviors such as chronically going to massage parlors or seeking out sex through hook-ups could also be signs of Addicted to sex.
Misdiagnosis of a Sex Addiction
The Myths and Controversy
Many myths surround sex addiction, and it is important to clarify some of those things. Many people disagree with the prevalence of Addicted to sex because they do not agree on what Addicted to sex is. The fact of the matter is Addicted to sex is a real addiction. It can have dangerous impacts on people’s lives.
Not all people that struggle with Addicted to sex have multiple sexual partners at one time. It also does not mean a person has more sex. Men and women can struggle with Addicted to sex, but it is more prevalent in men. It is not, and should not, be used as an excuse for compulsive sexual behaviors. Ultimately, people that struggle with Addicted to sex do so because they are struggling with underlying issues.5
Other Symptoms That Mimic Sex Addiction
Can Misdiagnosis Be Counterproductive to Treatment?
Treatments for Sexual Addiction

Inpatient Treatment Programs
12-Step Programs
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Prescription Medications
Psychosocial Therapy
Psychosocial , which is also known as talk therapy, is when a patient works with a mental health professional to talk through the things they are struggling with. Psychosocial therapy can help one work through triggers and trauma that might be related to or caused by sex addiction.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Couples Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
JFHI Bespoke Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment
J. Flowers Health Institute offers a bespoke detoxification program. Bespoke health care means that a person has access to their doctor 24/7. This process allows them to have a personalized experience with a trusted individual that can create a unique treatment plan just for them.
Sex Addiction Assessment
Bespoke Medical Services for Treatment
Benefits of Bespoke Medical Services
Many doctors suggest early on that a person struggling with sex addiction seek out a more intense treatment plan. Bespoke medical services allow a doctor to create a personalized plan that is molded to your struggles, trauma, and behaviors. When you use JFHI bespoke medical services, you will be fully supported 24/7 as you begin the healing process of recovery and process treatment.
Why You Need Bespoke Care
Bespoke care is essential to overcoming sex addiction because it provides the intense support that is needed to conquer it. If you or a loved one are struggling with Addicted to sex, please reach out to J. Flowers Health Institute. They can set you up with an appointment to begin to sift through the thoughts, behaviors, and compulsions that you are struggling with. The step after diagnosis would be a bespoke care program to ensure that you are successful on your recovery journey. For further questions, reach out to us.
Resources
- https://www.healthline.com/health/addiction/sex#outlook
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/compulsive-sexual-behavior/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360453
- https://psychcentral.com/lib/what-causes-sex-addiction
- https://www.verywellmind.com/sex-addiction-symtpoms-2329082
- https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/features/is-sex-addiction-real
- https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guidelines/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing