Sex addiction: Symptoms, treatment

Sex addiction is one of the quite common diseases, usually occurring mainly in men. This is considered a serious behavioral problem, which not only greatly affects the health, work and life of the sufferer, but also damages other social relationships.

Sex addiction, also known as sex addiction syndrome, is a condition in which a person cannot control his sexual behaviors, even depending on sex. This not only has a great impact on overall health but also disrupts life and surrounding relationships.
Sexologists are still debating whether sex addiction really exists, and if so, how is it described? Some researchers say sex addiction is similar to drug or alcohol addiction. Meanwhile, some other sections believe that sex addiction syndrome is considered a sexual compulsion, and it is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Sex addiction should not be confused with other disorders, such as pedophilia or bestial practices. This syndrome includes behaviors such as masturbation, sex with multiple partners, online sex, or access to sexually explicit content.
Sex addiction syndrome can be dangerous and lead to significant difficulties in life relationships. Sex addicts can experience the same dependence as alcohol or drug addiction, because it's so hard to control. Moreover, sex addiction causes negative effects on both physical and mental health, not only affecting oneself but also seriously damaging surrounding relationships, quality of life and health. social safety.

Most people with disorders tend to hide their behavior, even keeping it a secret from close family members. They may lie about their actions, or perform them at times or places that no one can detect. For people with sex addiction, no matter how carefully they hide it, sometimes they still show some noticeable symptoms, including:
Obsessed with, or having thoughts and fantasies about sex. having sex with multiple partners, including strangers Lying to cover up sexual behavior Obsessed or worried about sex, even if it interferes with daily life, productivity, work performance job. Inability to prevent or control sexual behavior Putting oneself or others at risk from sexual behavior Feeling remorse or guilt after sex Experiencing serious consequences in relationships relationship or profession. Compulsions can put more strain on relationships, such as the stress of infidelity – some argue that sex addiction is the cause of infidelity in a relationship. relationship.
However, enjoying sexual activities is not a sign of sex addiction. Sex is inherently a healthy human activity, so enjoying it is completely normal. Also, a difference in a person's level of sexual interest does not mean that he or she is addicted to sex.

In general, both men and women can suffer from sex addiction syndrome, but men usually account for a higher incidence. Here are some factors that can increase the risk of sex addiction, including:
Access to pornography: Currently, the development of social networks and information technology has facilitated beneficial to certain sections that have easy access to movies or online pornography. Private space: The more private and secret the space, the easier it is for sexual acts to be performed. Over time, this can make sex addiction worse. In addition, the following subjects are also at risk for sex addiction syndrome:
Have another mental disorder, such as anxiety, depression Abuse of stimulants such as alcohol, drugs In the past ever been sexually abused Have family conflicts, or another family member has addiction problems

Diagnosing Sex Addiction The American Psychiatric Association has released the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to provide guidance to professionals in diagnosing mental health problems. mental. However, the DMS-5 does not provide specific diagnostic criteria for sex addiction syndrome, but can only be based on diagnostic criteria for another mental problem, such as addictive behavior or control disorder. impulse control.
Some researchers believe that compulsive sexual behaviors can have unpredictable consequences for the person with sex addiction and other relationships in life. Although it can be difficult to diagnose a person with a sex addiction, professionals with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating compulsive sexual behaviors can help you manage your sexual compulsions. effectively control and treat this syndrome.
Treatment of sex addiction Treatment for sex addiction is similar to treatment for other addictive behaviors and includes:
Psychotherapy: This is an important part of treatment. to help patients recognize and deal with their problems. This therapy helps you understand what behaviors are negative and unhealthy so you can deal with them in more appropriate ways. In addition, psychotherapy includes psychodynamic therapy, which is a therapy that focuses primarily on raising the patient's awareness of their unconscious sexual thoughts or behaviors. This gives people with sex addiction syndrome the opportunity to reset their sex life in a healthier way and resolve conflicts in relationships.
12-Step Treatment Program: This is a “Sex Addicted Anonymous (SAA)” program that follows the same model as “Alcohol Addiction Anonymous (AA)”. This program is very useful for people with sex addiction. Participants do not need to give up sex altogether, rather they are encouraged to refrain from negative and dangerous sexual behaviors.
Medications: Certain medications can help you effectively control your sexual desires, such as antidepressants, stress relievers, serotonin or progesterone stimulants. However, the use of the drug needs to be combined with other treatment methods to bring optimal results.
Vinmec International General Hospital with a system of modern facilities, medical equipment and a team of experts and doctors with many years of experience in medical examination and treatment, patients can rest assured to visit. examination and treatment at the Hospital.

References: healthline.com, webmd.com
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