Patient Handouts
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Sexual Addiction
What is sexual addiction?
Sexual addiction is a pattern of sexual behaviors acted out even though it is harmful to self or others.
What is the cause?
The exact cause of sexual addiction is not known. Experts think it may be caused by physical differences in the brain or nervous system. It
might also be related to things such as child abuse or a family history of mental illness.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of sex addiction include:
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being unable to stop thinking about sex
needing to have sex more and more often
trying and failing to control, cut back, or stop having sex
feeling restless or in a bad mood when trying to control sexual urges
having school, job, or relationship problems because of sex.
Some out of control repetitive behaviors, which may reflect sexual addiction include:
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masturbation
extramarital affairs
pornography
cyber sex or phone sex
multiple anonymous partners
unsafe sexual activity
thinking of sex partners as just objects to be used
going to strip clubs and adult bookstores
prostitution.
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider or therapist will ask about your symptoms and will make sure you do not have a medical problem. Your therapist
will also check for other problems, such as substance abuse, mood disorders, and personality disorders.
How is it treated?
Treatment for sexual addiction is long-term and ongoing. Good options include self-help groups, support groups, or supervised treatment
programs. Cognitive behavior therapy may also help.
Female hormones or testosterone-lowering medicines may be used to reduce sex drive in men. SSRI antidepressants may reduce sex drive
and lessen obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Mood stabilizers or antipsychotic medicines may also be helpful.
When should I seek help?
Sex addiction can cause many problems:
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loss of friendships and family relationships
increased risk for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases
job loss
high levels of debt from paying for prostitutes, cyber-sex, or phone sex.
legal problems due to sexual harassment, obscene phone calls, prostitution, rape, or child molesting
Patient handouts provided by Merck Medicus. Copyright © 2012-2013 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.
Patient Handouts
Page 2 of 2
If sexual addiction is causing you any of these problems, it is time to get help. For more information, contact:
Sex Addicts Anonymous
(800) 477-8191
Web site: http://www.saa-phoenix.org/
Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous
(866) 286-2735
Web site: http://www.slaafws.org/
Sexaholics Anonymous
866/424-8777
Web site: http://www.sa.org/
Sexual Compulsives Anonymous
(800) 977-HEAL
Web site: http://www.sca-recovery.org/
Patient handouts provided by Merck Medicus. Copyright © 2012-2013 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.