Online Encyclopedia
Hypersexuality
Hypersexuality is an abnormally heightened level of sexuality.
Nymphomania is the name of what was believed to be a psychological disorder peculiar to women characterized by an overactive libido and an obsession with sex. In men the disorder was called satyriasis (for etymology of the words, see nymph and satyr). As with all psychological disorders, it is only considered an illness if it is sufficient to prevent the sufferer from living a normal life.
As with many other things, sex drive varies widely, and what one person would consider a normal sex drive would be considered excessive by some, and low by others. However, a sex drive so strong that it prevents one living a normal life is excessive by any standards.
Nymphomania is no longer listed as a specific disorder in the DSM-IV, although hypersexuality in either sex can be viewed as a symptom of other disorders, such as bipolar disorder.
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Hypersexuality in bipolar disorder
Hypersexuality can be a symptom of bipolar disorder, and is generally associated with the manic phase of the disease.
Although manic hypersexuality may sound like a boon to some people, it often results in behavior that the manic person later bitterly regrets.
Other diseases which can be associated with hypersexuality
Hypersexuality can also be caused by:
- Kluver-Bucy syndrome, a neurobehavioral syndrome associated with bilateral medial temporal lobe dysfunction.
Hypersexuality and "sex addiction"
Some therapists consider there to be a phenomenon of sex addiction, consisting of hypersexuality with the attributes of addictive behavior. This is not the same as hypersexuality caused by bipolar disorder or neurological damage.
See also
External links
- Review of Nymphomania: A History
- The National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity
- Sex Addicts Anonymous