Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-fbnjt Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-15T02:03:55.610Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Sexual Addiction and Compulsion: Recognition, Treatment, and Recovery

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2014

Abstract

The management of patients with compulsive sexual behavior requires an understanding of the profile of the sexually compulsive or addicted patient. This article summarizes patient characteristics and their implications for treatment. Data from a study of the recovery of 957 patients who had problematic, sexually excessive behavior are presented. Spanning 5 years, the study shows six distinct stages patients experienced and the clinical activities that were most useful to them. A trajectory of a typical diagnosis and treatment path is provided, as well as important resources for physicians and patients.

Type
Grand Rounds
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2000

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

1.Carnes, P. Addiction or compulsion: politics or illness? Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention. 1996;3:127150.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
2.Stein, DJ, Hugo, F, Oosthuizen, P, et al.Neuropsychiatry of Hypersexuality. CNS Spectrums. 2000;5(1):3646.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
3.Canning, M. Breaking through denial. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention. 1999;6:4762.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4.Delmonico, D. Cybersex: high tech sex addiction? Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention. 1997;4:159168.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
5.Garos, S, Stock, W. Measuring disorders of sexual frequency and control: the Garos Sexual Behavior Index. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention. 1998;5:159178CrossRefGoogle Scholar
6.Garos, S, Stock, W. Investigating the discriminant validity and differentiating capability of the Garos Sexual Behavior Index. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention. 1998;5:251268.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
7.Gordon, LJ, Fargason, P, Kramer, J. Sexual behaviors of patients in a residential chemical dependency program: comparison of sexually compulsive physicians and nonphysicians with non-sexually compulsive physicians and nonphysicians. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention. 1995;2:233256.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
8.Sealy, J. Psychopharmocologic intervention in addictive sexual behavior. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention. 1995;2:257276.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
9.Blanchard, GT. Differential diagnosis of sex offender: distinguishing characteristics of the sex addict. American Journal of Preventive Psychiatry and Neurology. 1990;2:3:4547.Google Scholar
10.Carnes, P, Nonemaker, D, Skilling, N. Gender differences in normal and sexually addicted populations. American Journal of Preventive Psychiatry and Neurology. 1991;3:1623.Google Scholar
11.Black, DW. The epidemiology and phenomenology of compulsive sexual behavior. CNS Spectrums. 2000;5(1):2672.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
12.Wines, D. Exploring the applicability of criteria for substance dependence to sexual addiction. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention. 1997;4:195220.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
13.Carnes, PJ. Don't Call It Love. New York, NY: Bantam Books; 1991.Google Scholar
14.Griffin-Shelly, E, Benjamin, L, Benjamin, R. Sex addiction and dissociation. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention. 1995;2:295306.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
15.Washton, A. Cruising and using: compulsive sex and substance abuse. Professional Counselor. 1998;13:6.Google Scholar
16.Evans, K, Sullivan, J. Treating Addicted Survivors of Trauma. New York, NY: Gilford Press; 1995.Google Scholar
17.Hollander, E, Wong, C. Body dysmorphic disorder, pathological gambling, and sexual compulsions. J Clin Psychiatry. 1995;6:4:10.Google Scholar
18.Black, DW, Kehrberg, L, Flumerfelt, D, Schlosser, S. Characteristics of 36 subjects reporting compulsive sexual behavior. Am J Psychiatry. 1997;154:243249.Google ScholarPubMed
19.Carnes, P, Wilson, M. Following the Obsessive Shadow: A Task-Centered, Competency-Based Approach to the Treatment of Excessive Sexual Behavior. Gentle Path Press. Wickenburg, AZ: Gentle Path Press. In press.Google Scholar
20.Earle, MR, Earle, RH, Osborn, K. Sex Addiction: Case Studies and Management. Philadelphia, Pa: Brunner/Mazel, Inc; 1995.Google Scholar
21.Goodman, A. Sexual Addiction: An Integrated Approach. Madison, Conn: International Universities Press; 1998.Google Scholar
22.Irons, R, Schneider, J. The Wounded Healer. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson, Inc; 1999.Google Scholar
23.Sealy, J. Psychopharmacological intervention in addictive sexual behavior. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention. 1999;2:257276.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
24.Carnes, P. Contrary to Love: Helping the Sexual Addict. Center City, Minn: Hazelden Educational Materials; 1989.Google Scholar