Hypersexual behavior, also called hypersexuality, involves an increased sex drive and compulsive sexual behavior characterized by intense sexual feelings, thoughts, and actions. While it is not formally recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), early research suggests a connection between hypersexuality and addiction.
About 2% of people have symptoms of hypersexuality, though the numbers may be higher in certain groups of people. For example, hypersexuality is two to three times more common in men than women, and it tends to be higher among people with certain mental health conditions.
Symptoms and behaviors associated with hypersexuality may include:
- Intense or frequent sexual thoughts or fantasies
- Strong sexual urges that feel difficult to redirect
- Spending a significant amount of time engaging with sexual content or imagery
- Feeling unable to reduce or pause certain sexual behaviors, even when they cause stress or interfere with daily activities
- Using masturbation, pornography, or sexual activity in ways that feel repetitive or hard to control
- Engaging in frequent sexual activity with partners, online, or through services such as phone sex or strip clubs, in ways that may lead to personal, relational, or financial distress
People with hypersexuality usually find that their sexual urges and behaviors interfere with one or more areas of their lives. Hypersexual behaviors can negatively affect friendships, family relationships, intimate relationships, work, school, and finances. A fixation on sex may make it hard to concentrate and complete simple tasks. Many people with hypersexual behaviors feel intense feelings of guilt and shame, which can affect their mental health.
Experts aren’t sure what causes hypersexuality. Some psychiatrists report that there are similarities between hypersexuality and substance use disorders, and that hypersexuality is similar to behavioral addiction. More research is needed to understand the potential connection.
Studies have found that people with hypersexuality symptoms frequently live with psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety. Hypersexuality is also a symptom of mania in bipolar disorder. Studies have also found that people with hypersexuality have more obsessive personalities than others and more significant feelings of guilt and loneliness.
There’s also research pointing to an association between hypersexuality and a decreased ability to self-regulate or cope with adversity in life. Many people with symptoms of hypersexuality experience sexual development earlier than normal, begin masturbating earlier than their peers, and show sexual interest at an earlier age than average.
Risk Factors
Researchers believe certain factors may increase a person’s risk of developing hypersexual behavior, but more research is needed. People with hypersexuality are more likely to have:
- Psychiatric mood disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Impulse control issues, including sexual impulsivity
- Neuropsychological impairments and executive control issues
- A history of adverse childhood experiences and trauma
- Childhood ADHD
- Attachment challenges in intimate relationships
- Early onset of masturbation
There is no single medical definition or formal diagnosis for hypersexuality, and healthcare professionals may use different terms or criteria to describe sexual behaviors that feel difficult to manage.
Many providers recognize that when sexual thoughts or behaviors begin to cause distress or interfere with daily life, it is worth addressing.
To diagnose hypersexuality, a healthcare provider may look for a strong preoccupation with sex, where you spend a lot of your time thinking about sex or engaging in activities related to sex. They’ll also be mindful of other hypersexuality symptoms you may have.
Your healthcare provider may ask you a series of questions about your thoughts and behaviors related to sex. These may include questions such as:
- Have your sexual thoughts and behaviors ever made it difficult for you to complete important tasks?
- Have your sexual thoughts and behaviors had negative effects on your health or your relationships with others?
- Do you ever have negative feelings about yourself as a result of your thoughts and behaviors?
- Have your activities caused financial issues?
- Do you have feelings of guilt and shame related to your sexual behavior?
- Have you found yourself in embarrassing situations because of your sex drive?
- Has your behavior affected your ability to work or go to school?
Some treatment options for hypersexual behavior are backed by research. First and foremost, people with hypersexuality usually benefit from psychotherapy. A combination of therapy types is used to treat this condition, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), relapse prevention therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy is occasionally combined with pharmaceutical (drug) treatments. No FDA-approved medications currently exist for people with hypersexuality. Clinicians often prescribe medications used to treat similar disorders, such as substance use disorders.
Medications may include antidepressants, commonly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and the opioid antagonist naltrexone. Treating underlying mood disorders that involve hypersexuality as a symptom may also help.
Hypersexuality can lead to difficulties in other areas of life. These include, but are not limited to:
- Physical health: Having multiple partners or engaging in frequent sexual activity without protection can increase your risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Practicing safe sex, like using condoms and getting regular STI screenings, can help support your physical health.
- Relationships: When sexual behaviors become difficult to manage, they may strain relationships with partners, family members, or friends. Some partners may feel uncomfortable or hurt if boundaries are unclear or unmet needs go unaddressed, which can make intimacy and trust more difficult to maintain.
- Work and school: Sexual thoughts or behaviors that feel compulsive or distracting may make it harder to focus or meet responsibilities at work or school. This can lead to missed deadlines, reduced performance, or interpersonal challenges in professional or academic settings.
- Financial effects: Some people find themselves spending more money than they can afford on sexual activities, such as online content, subscriptions, or services. This can contribute to financial stress or instability.
If you’re living with hypersexuality, know that you aren’t alone. Help is available to make your sexual urges and behaviors more manageable.
Many therapists specialize in treating people with hypersexuality and sexual compulsions. You can ask your primary care provider for a recommendation. The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) recommends using the “Find a Therapist” search function from the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals to find a therapist who specializes in compulsive sexual behaviors.
Support groups are out there for people with hypersexuality and other sexual disorders. Sex Addicts Anonymous offers support groups for people recovering from sex addiction. S-Anon International Family Groups offers support for family and friends of people with compulsive sex addictions.
Some people experience sexual thoughts and behaviors that feel difficult to manage or control. When these thoughts and behaviors interfere with daily life, it may be a sign of an underlying issue, sometimes referred to as hypersexuality or hypersexual behavior.
Therapy can be effective in helping people develop healthier coping strategies and understand the factors that drive their behavior. Medication or support groups may also be helpful. If you or someone you care about is struggling with overwhelming sexual thoughts or behaviors, a healthcare provider or mental health professional can be an important step toward support and recovery.
