Although sex addiction is not a formal or recognized diagnosis, the term is often used to describe symptoms associated with compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD).

It’s normal to wonder where your symptoms are coming from, but the underlying cause of obsessive-compulsive sexual behavior disorder (also known as hypersexuality) isn’t entirely clear.

Although experts have identified some factors that may be related to sex addiction, it is not yet fully determined whether these factors cause, worsen, or are the result of sex addiction symptoms.

Frontal Lobe Abnormalities

Limited neuroimaging research on hypersexuality does not answer whether and how much the brains of people with compulsive sexual behavior differ from those of normal people.

But some literature suggests that in some cases, hypersexuality may be related to damage or tumors in the frontal and temporal lobes. This review suggests that hypersexuality is more likely to occur when there are preexisting psychosocial challenges or bilateral temporal lobe abnormalities.

However, not all patients with frontal or temporal lobe damage develop compulsive sexual behavior. Likewise, not all compulsive behaviors can be explained by brain lesions.

Neurological disorders such as dementia have also been linked to sexual compulsions, but a causal link has not been established.

Neurotransmitters

An imbalance of some neurotransmitters, such as the highly addictive dopamine, may lead to compulsive sexual behavior disorder.

Neurotransmitters are an important component of the body’s sexual response, triggering responses in the central nervous system such as increased heartbeat and regulating responses to pleasure. Significant changes in the levels of these neurotransmitters may affect sexual behavior.

Medicine

Certain medications may trigger compulsive sexual behavior.

For example, a 2010 study found that some Parkinson’s disease treatments based on dopamine replacement therapy were associated with increases in obsessive-compulsive behavior and other symptoms of impulse control disorders, but more research on the topic is needed to determine cause and effect.

Emotional States and Mood Disorders

Experts point to a relationship between emotional state and emotion regulation and an increase in compulsive sexual behavior.

For example, a 2020 study found that mood dysregulation can be both a symptom and a trigger of compulsive sexual behavior.

Emotional dysregulation refers to difficulty managing one’s emotions or regulating emotional responses to specific stimuli.

A 2020 study also found a link between boredom and hypersexuality, but further research is needed to determine a cause-and-effect relationship.

Overall, higher levels of both pleasant and unpleasant emotions were associated with increased impulsive-compulsive behavior.

Family Relations

Family dysfunction may also contribute to symptoms of hypersexuality.

A 2015 review showed that people from unsociable and rigid families are more likely to exhibit compulsive sexual behavior than those from loving families.

Childhood Abuse

A 2020 study and a literature review from the same year showed that experiences of sexual abuse in childhood and adolescence are strongly linked to hypersexual behaviors.

If you think you are addicted to sex, or if you find that you have been suffering from sex addiction for a long time, please seek professional help promptly.

Sex Addiction Treatment

Medical treatement

• Clinically, some drugs used to treat other diseases, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, etc., can provide certain help. These drugs act on brain chemicals associated with sex addiction, inhibiting the brain’s “encouragement” of compulsive sexual behavior and reducing associated interest. However, it should be noted that drug treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor and should not be used privately.

Psychotherapy

• A professional mental health therapist can use cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify your sex addiction triggers and learn how to deal with them.
• For example, first of all, you have to face it bravely, admit that your situation is indeed uncontrollable, and then get support from family and friends, and then seek professional help to finally control addictive behaviors.
• In addition, many people with sex addictions also have problems such as tobacco addiction, alcohol addiction, depression, and anxiety disorders, which should also be treated.