Controversy diagnosing sex addition

Abstract

Introduction

The sexual compulsive behavior also known as sex addition is the repetitive and intense sexual behavior of the individual. Although the few studies carried out, the prevailing rates vary between the 2% and the 20%.

Objectives

We present the case of a 46-year-old male with psychiatric treatment records since he was 17 and a personality disorder group B diagnosis and depressive reactions reactive to environmental frustrations. Several short-, medium- and long-term hospitalizations. Currently he is admitted after having expressed some autolytic ideas.

Methodology

The patient started a treatment in the Unit of Addictive Behaviors. He says he started to frequent the brothels 10 years ago to satisfy his sexual needs, but gradually increased the frequency. Later, he started to have sex online, also in fee-paying web pages. This has had a negative influence in the different aspects of his life, leading him to economic stress and endless debts.

Results

Borderline personality disorder. 301.83 (F60.3).

Other specified disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorder (sex). 312.89 (F91.8).

Pathological gambling. 312.31 (F63.0).

Persistent depressive disorder. 300.4 (F34.1).

Conclusions

It is clear that the compulsive sexual behavior is a disorder that includes repetitive, intrusive and distressing thoughts and leads to behaviors that affect negatively several aspects of the lives of people suffering such disorder, so that is why it is associated with other psychiatric disorders. Even though it has been described and discussed for years in literature, it is difficult to classify within psychiatric nosology and nowadays its categorization is still a challenge within the mental health.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.