Compulsive sexual behavior is characterized by excessive sexual fantasies, urges, and behaviors, as well as the impulse to act on them with consenting individuals. Because compulsive sexual behavior is risky, people with nymphomania are at increased risk for developing complications such as sexually transmitted diseases.
Depression is one of the characteristics of compulsive sexual behavior. Hypersexuality is usually seen in mania, but can also be seen in depression and anxiety disorders. Persons afflicted with these conditions are currently diagnosed as sexual disorder not otherwise specified on diagnostic and statistical manual IV edition text revision (DSM IV-TR).
Research estimates that between 3%-6% of the population deals with hypersexuality, compulsive sexual behavior, or sex addiction. Other characteristics include:
*Intrusive and repetitive thoughts or desires
*Difficulty reducing or stopping behaviors
*Multiple sexual partners
*Guilt and shame
*Continued engagement in behaviors without regard for harm to self or others
*Engaging in fantasies, urges, or behaviors as a means of escaping or coping with challenging emotions or stressful situations
Sexual thoughts, urges, or behaviors can have negative consequences when a person is preoccupied with them, and they begin to take up more space in their minds and lives.
Stressful life events and trauma, including sexual abuse can cause compulsive sexual behavior. Like other mental illnesses, nymphomania may arise as a result of environment, heredity, and life events. It may also be linked to a chemical imbalance in the brain.
What is nymphomania?
