Nymphomania (sex addiction): causes, symptoms and treatment

People with hypersexuality or addiction to sex, formerly known as nymphomania in women and satiriasis in men, they feel the need to obtain sexual gratification continuously. However, they do not do it so much seeking pleasure as trying to alleviate the tension and emotional discomfort they feel.

In this article we will analyze the causes, symptoms and treatments of sex addiction. In addition, we will delimit this concept and its relationship with other close ones: hypersexuality, nymphomania and satiriasis.

• Related article: "Hypersexuality: what happens in the brain of a sex addict?”

Nymphomania, sex addiction and hypersexuality

Hypersexuality is defined as frequent, excessive and uncontrollable increase in desire and sexual activity. Although the term is not included in the diagnostic classifications, ‘hypersexuality’ is the official concept to refer to alterations of this type. Hypersexuality is also known as 'sex addiction'.

Addictions are behavioral and / or brain disorders that consist of the compulsive search for rewarding stimuli or that cause relief from emotional distress. This compulsion occupies most of life to the detriment of other aspects, such as social and work functioning.

"Nymphomania" is an archaic word which was used to specifically name female hypersexuality but has become a colloquial synonym for ‘sex addiction’. In the case of men, the term 'satiriasis' was used mainly. The ICD-10 still includes these two terms within the category ‘Excessive sexual drive’. Hypersexuality was not included in the DSM-5 due to lack of scientific evidence.

A person is considered to be hypersexual or addicted to sex when their preoccupation with sexual activity causes discomfort or interferes with their normal functioning. It is estimated that between 3 and 6% of the population has some degree of addiction to sex.

Causes

If we understand nymphomania or hypersexuality as a sex addiction, we can explain the development of this disorder from the brain dopaminergic activity. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in pleasure and reinforcement; our body secretes it when we eat, when we consume some substances or when we have an orgasm.

The biological component of addictions is attributed to search for the sensations associated with dopamine. When a person becomes addicted to a behavior or stimulus, he acquires a physical and / or psychological dependence and also develops tolerance to the object of addiction; this means that to obtain the same physiological effect it requires an increasing dose.

Hypersexuality can also occur as a result of the use of dopamine agonist drugs, such as those used to treat Parkinson's disease, as well as lesions in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for regulating impulse sexual.

In many cases nymphomania appears as a secondary symptom of other psychological disorders. In particular, dementias, borderline personality disorder, autism, bipolar disorder, and Klüver-Bucy and Kleine-Levin syndromes stand out. Addiction to alcohol and other drugs can also facilitate the development of hypersexuality.

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Symptoms of sex addiction

Not being officially considered a disorder, sex addiction does not have its own diagnostic criteria. However, experts have identified different characteristic signs and symptoms of hypersexuality.

Excessive masturbation and sex are the main symptom of sex addiction. The person spends most of his time in search of sexual gratification, for example visiting pornographic sites and trying to find sexual partners (including prostitution professionals), Y unable to quit these activities despite trying on multiple occasions.

People with nymphomania neglect their obligations and responsibilities in favor of their addiction, and maintain their compulsive behaviors despite the negative consequences they have for his life; Among others, it is common for those who have hypersexuality to be repeatedly unfaithful to their partners or find it difficult to connect intimately with them.

Sex addiction facilitates the appearance of paraphilias, that is, obtaining sexual pleasure from atypical sources (such as sex). pain or specific objects), and behaviors classifiable as harassment, especially if the sexual desire is focused on specific people.

Intervention and treatment

Treatment for nymphomania is similar to that for other types of addictions, both behavioral and substance-related. Thus, the main focus is abstinence, at least temporarily, as well as the acquisition of healthy habits.

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is the dominant orientation in the psychological treatment of addictions. It focuses on the interrelationship between behavior, thought, and emotion. In addiction cases, CBT is primarily about increasing motivation for change and development of alternative rewarding activities.

• Related article: "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: what is it and on what principles is it based?"

2. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical behavioral therapy, developed by Marsha Linehan, is one of the treatments that we know as 'third generation cognitive-behavioral therapies'. It differs from classic CBT in its emphasis on emotions and meditation through Mindfulness, as well as in problem management skills training.

• Related article: "Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: theory, phases and effects"

3. Support groups

This type of group therapy is led by experts, who can be psychotherapists or recovered addicts. Support groups are very useful for people with hypersexual or other addictions because they help share your problems and possible strategies for handling them. They are especially effective in helping the person confront their denials and rationalizations regarding addiction.

Many of these groups are based on the 12-step scheme developed by the community. Alcoholics Anonymous, which was one of the first groups to identify hypersexuality as addictive disorder.

4. Marital and Couples Therapy

In cases of sex addiction, couples therapy can be very beneficial for improve communication, confidence and sexual satisfaction between the person with nymphomania and her partner.

5. Medication

Antidepressant Drugs May Be Effective to reduce hypersexuality derived from emotional distress. If nymphomania occurs as a result of bipolar disorder or hormonal disturbances, sometimes it is prescribe mood stabilizers and hormonal therapies (particularly anti-androgens), respectively. However, the use of drugs should only be initiated by medical indication.