Sex addiction is officially recognized as a disease: what are its symptoms

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized sexual dependence as a disease, which can change its perception in society, because previously this condition was associated exclusively with the low moral qualities of people who have it, writes USA Today.

Фото: Depositphotos

In the new International Classification of Diseases, WHO defines “compulsive disorder of sexual health” as “a constant inability to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses, which manifests itself in constantly targeting sex behavior.”

The new classification says that sexual addiction - a term defining a condition like compulsive disorder of sexual health - can be diagnosed on the basis of a list of symptoms that include: repetitive actions of a sexual nature that are central to a person’s life; numerous unsuccessful attempts to reduce the frequency of these actions; and also constant sexual activity, despite the fact that it brings almost no satisfaction.

This definition is reminiscent of how doctors define other addictions, such as alcoholism, drug addiction or gambling addiction.

“There was a time when alcoholism was a fatal disease for which there was no cure. And the patient had to die from alcoholism, because because of his addiction, everyone considered him a bad person. Now we do not say to alcoholics and drug addicts: “You are a bad person.” We say, 'You have a problem,'" explained addiction specialist Robert Weiss.

Experts hope that the new classification will lead to destigmatization of sexual addiction.

Treatment may vary from therapy to stay in the area of ​​rehabilitation facilities. The cost of treatment also varies from free online services to expensive inpatient rehabilitation programs.

Currently, the cost of treating people with sexual addiction is covered by insurance companies only if they are diagnosed in combination with another mental disorder, such as anxiety or depression.

Experts hope that innovation will affect the attitude of insurance to this type of dependence.

However, the recognition of sexual dependence as a psychological disorder can also have negative connotation. Criminals who have committed a sexual offense can begin to hide behind this type of disorder.

Therapists argue that sexual addiction and sexual crime are two completely different categories.

“Most sex offenders do not have symptoms of clinical sex addiction, and conversely, most people with sex addiction do not commit sex crimes,” said Milton Magnes, a sex addiction therapist and director of a counseling service in Houston.

Experts hope that the approved diagnosis will open the door to new ways to treat sexual addiction.

Read also on ForumDaily:

How America is obsessed with raising self-esteem

Street lighting can cause insomnia and mental disorders: what you need to know

Why conventional diets do not work: the story of a man who dropped 136 kg

Medicine in the USA: expensive and even more expensive

Why being an owl is bad for health

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.