Sex Addiction Is Real, Says Scientific Community

Based on the results of a new study about sex addiction, Rachael Rettner of MyHealthNewsDaily, said that "sex addiction is a real thing."

Since I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, also certified as a Sexual Addiction Therapist (CSAT), I am very grateful for this new research. I provide services for people who have been gripped by the despair of living a secret sex life for ten, twenty, even thirty years or more. If you would like to stay up to date on the latest research sign up for my newsletter.

The devastation in their families is real; the pain and betrayal are not made up. I see it every day as families strive to mend from their loved ones' sexual addiction. Healing from the pain and loss can take years of hard work.

The criteria for the proposed hypersexual disorder in the DSM-5 is as follows:

A. Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent and intense sexual fantasies, sexual urges and sexual behavior in association with four or more of the following five criteria:

1. Excessive time is consumed by sexual fantasies and urges, and by planning for and engaging in sexual behavior
2. Repetitively engaging in these sexual fantasies, urges and behavior in response to dysphoric mood states (e.g., anxiety, depression, boredom, irritability)
3. Repetitively engaging in sexual fantasies, urges and behavior in response to stressful life events
4. Repetitive but unsuccessful efforts to control or significantly reduce these sexual fantasies, urges and behaviors
5. Repetitively engaging in sexual behavior while disregarding the risk for physical or emotional harm to self or others

B. There is clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning associated with the frequency and intensity of these sexual fantasies, urges and behavior.

C. These sexual fantasies, urges and behavior are not due to direct physiological effects of exogenous substances (e.g., drugs of abuse or medications), a co-occurring general medical condition or to manic episodes. 

D. The individual is at least 18 years of age.

The proposed hypersexual disorder also asks if any of these targeted behaviors are being used excessively:

• Masturbation
• Pornography
• Sexual behavior with consenting adults
• Cybersex
• Telephone sex
• Adult entertainment venues/clubs

The controversy surrounding whether or not a person suffers from a sexual addiction will continue for a long time. The inclusion of hypersexual disorder in the DSM-5 will not diagnose everyone with a sexual problem, as many fear, but it will give legitimacy to the problem and allow people to get help.

For example, currently the DSM-4 has a diagnosis of alcohol abuse with similar behavioral criteria for diagnosis. Just because someone drinks alcohol once in a while doesn't mean they fit the diagnosis. For the diagnosis, the person would need to meet the criteria set in the DSM-4. It would be the same for any sexual acting out behavior; if it doesn't cause a pervasive problem in your life, it would not be diagnosed.

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In my own and other CSAT practices around the country and around the world, we see the effects sex addiction has on the sex addict and each of the family members on a daily basis. I am one voice who will speak up for the sex addicts and their families that it is a very real issue. The fact that this study shows Hypersexuality Disorder as a diagnosable disorder is a blessing for many people.

The statistics in the study showed that clinicians were able to accurately diagnose those who had a sexual problem with the DSM-5 criteria.  Equally important, people without the serious pervasive sexual problems were accurately not diagnosed with the disorder. 

Healing takes time and can't be done alone in isolation. Shame keeps the sex addict in hiding living a dual secret life, which is the very reason healing needs to be done in a community, with people who are supportive. That's why 12 step programs are so helpful for the addict and their family. Telling their sex addiction story and being vulnerable with safe people, is a helpful remedy for addicts. If you think you might have a problem with sex addiction based on the DSM-5 criteria above, seek help; your life can be so much better and you deserve true honest caring with others.

Families can heal and thrive with treatment. I have witnessed healing between spouses. Sex Addicts develop skills and tools to fight the sexual urges which have caused so much pain for themselves and their loved ones. Family members learn to cope with the grief of discovering their loved one has a sex addiction.

Healing does occur and recovery is strengthened. I have been witness to couples who are thankful for the wakeup call of the sexual addiction. Through the process of healing, they have a deeper closer relationship with each other. I think that is fantastic and it's such a miracle how the human spirit can endure and thrive. 10 Love Tools For Romance & Mutual Couple Satisfaction [EXPERT]

If you think you may be a partner of a sex addict, find out more information and educate yourself. You are not the only one. To learn more, sign up for my free webinar coming up in March. You can also connect with me on my website at www.couplesthrive.net

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