Sex addiction consists of having a great and uncontrollable sexual desire. Currently, the appropriate term to refer to this concept is “hypersexuality.”
Hypersexuality or sex addiction consists of engaging in sexual behaviors that involve involvement in risk situations and negative consequences such as, for example, unwanted pregnancies, contracting sexually transmitted diseases and personal, family, economic or work problems. Sex addiction is characterized by lost of control in sexual behaviors, which can include everything from compulsive masturbation to cybersex. The sex addict performs these behaviors with the aim of reducing anxiety or psychological or emotional discomfort. Sex addiction can occur together with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, substance dependence, problems with impulse control and hyperactivity.
Is sex addiction a disorder? It was proposed to include Hypersexuality Disorder in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) but, finally was not included due to lack of scientific evidence. Therefore, it is not currently included as a mental or psychological disorder in the DSM-V. However, it is considered a psychological problem since it interferes with the life of those who suffer from it, producing discomfort and negative consequences.
Next, you can answer just 10 questions about your sexuality in this free psychological questionnaire from Psychology-Online. In this test to find out if you are addicted to sex you will get the results for free and immediately to find out if you present the characteristic symptoms of hypersexuality or sex addiction.