Sexual Addiction – A Challenge for Mental Health Professionals

Abstract

Sexual compulsivity presents a challenge that occupies mental health professionals all around the world. Just as there are many personal lifestyles, there are numerous sexual lifestyles, too. Before labeling a person a sex addict we need to understand that sex addiction has little to do with what turns a person on sexually, or how often a person changes sex partners, or about monogamy. And neither is it defined by an individual’s sexual orientation. It is more likely that we are dealing with sex addiction when a person acts against their values and beliefs and experiences negative consequences. Digital technology enables new types of compulsive and offending sexual behaviour. Recognizing and naming new behavioural patterns, ethical dilemmas, psychiatric comorbidities, risky sexual behaviour, and unclear strategies about treatment approaches present a challenge for mental health professionals.