User:Ewoodman/Hypersexuality

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Consistent with there not being any consensus over what causes hypersexuality, authors have used many different labels to refer to it, sometimes interchangeably, but often depending on which theory they favor or which specific behavior they were studying; related or obsolete terms include compulsive masturbation, compulsive sexual behavior, cybersex addiction, erotomania, "excessive sexual drive", hyperphilia, hypersexuality, hypersexual disorder, problematic hypersexuality, sexual addiction, sexual compulsivity, sexual dependency, sexual impulsivity, "out of control sexual behavior", and paraphilia-related disorder.

'''Due to the controversy surrounding the diagnosis of hypersexuality, there is not one generally accepted definition and measurement for hypersexuality, making it difficult to truly determine the prevalence. Thus, the prevalence can vary depending on how it is defined and measured. Overall, hypersexuality is estimated to affect 2-6% of the population, and may be higher in certain populations like men, LGBTQ+ community, and sex offenders.'''

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Etiology

Neurobiological Etiology

Numerous medical conditions are associated with hypersexuality, including dementia, temporal lobe epilepsy, Tourette's Syndrome, brain injury, stroke, frontal lobotomy. Dementia can cause frontal or cortical damage to the brain, which is associated with disinhibition. Damage to the temporal lobe can also result in hypersexuality, as seen to occur in temporal lobe epilepsy. Tourette's Syndrome is also associated with hypersexuality, suggesting that it can also be caused through disinhibition of the limbic system. '''Frontal lesions caused by brain injury, strokes, and frontal lobotomy are thought to cause hypersexuality in individuals who have had these conditions. '''

Different substances can also cause hypersexuality. Dopaminergic drugs can cause hypersexuality, as seen in individuals receiving dopaminergic treatment for Parkinson's Disease. Additionally, the abuse of stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine has been reported to cause hypersexuality.

Mood disorders are often associated with dysregulation of biologically mediated drive states. Thus, hypersexuality is often seen in those with bipolar disorder. More research is needed to explore the relationship between mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and hypersexuality.

Assessment (added this whole section to the wiki page)
Those seeking treatment for hypersexual behavior are a heterogeneous group, thus a thorough assessment is required to evaluate what kinds of behaviors and conditions need to be addressed and treated. It is essential for clinicians to conduct a comprehensive clinical interview with the patient, in which they address the history of their presenting problems, psychological history, sexual history, psychiatric history, mental health history, substance use history, and medical history. Understanding these facets of an individual exhibiting hypersexual behavior is crucial due to the diverse array of comorbid conditions potentially linked to hypersexuality. The presence of ongoing treatment for any coexisting conditions in the individual can also have an impact on their symptoms and subsequent therapeutic interventions. Supplemental information from a spouse or family member could also be used during assessments.

In addition to this, various questionnaires and instruments may be used to further assess various aspects of an individual's behaviors and symptoms. Some common questionnaires that are used in assessments are the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scale, Intensity of Sexual Desire and Symptoms Scale , Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory , Sexual Compulsivity Scale , and the Sexual Addiction Screening Test amongst others. Different instruments can also be used in assessments, including but not limited to the Clinical Global Impression Scale, Timeline Followback , Minnesota Multiphase Personality Inventory II , and the Millon Inventory.

Treatment
The first step to treat hypersexual behavior is to help the individual stop or control their urges. There are a multitude of different treatment options for those experiencing hypersexual behaviors, and many clinicians recommend a multifaceted approach. Treatment plans are created after assessing the individual, so treatment methods can vary depending on an individual's history, current symptoms, and any comorbid conditions they may have. Common treatment methods include cognitive-behavioral therapy, relapse-prevention therapy, psychodynamic psychosocial therapy, and psychopharmacological treatment, which can be implemented through individual therapy, couple's therapy, and/or group therapy.

Neurological Aspects
The general understanding of the neurological aspects regarding human sexual behavior is still largely a mystery, but small scaled studies and individual case studies have provided significant insight regarding this subject.

There are six key brain regions responsible for mediating human sexual behavior; three in the subcortical region and three in the cortical region. The main regions relating to hypersexuality are the Ansa lenticularis along with the pallidus, located in the subcortical region, and the amygdala which is located in the cortical region. The Ansa lenticularis and pallidus are responsible for sexual drive and libido. The amygdala influences sexual orientation, sexual disorders like paraphilias, and sexual drive.

Risks
Individuals with hypersexuality are at a higher risk for various negative consequences, such as contracting STIs, damaging relationships, and developing other addictions. 27.5% of affected individuals contracted an STI on at least one occasion as a result of their hypersexual behavior, and 12% of affected individuals engage in excessive, unprotected sex with multiple anonymous partners. Additionally, an overwhelming 89% affected individuals admit to engaging in sexual activities outside of their primary relationship. This can negatively affect one's interpersonal and sexual relationships. In fact, 22.8% of sex addicts have had a relationship end due to their behaviors.

Furthermore, those with hypersexuality are more likely to have had or acquire another addiction. Multiple addictions are also prevalent amongst affected individuals. Common co-occurring disorders and addictions hypersexual individuals include eating disorders, compulsive spending, chemical dependency, and uncontrollable gambling.

References