Psychology of intimacy

Compulsive sexual behaviour

AlsoCSBDcompulsive sexual behaviorcompulsive sexual behaviour disorderhypersexualitysex addictionsex addictporn addictionhypersexual disordersexual compulsivity

Definition

Compulsive sexual behaviour disorder is a condition recognised in the WHO's ICD-11 in which a person repeatedly fails to control intense sexual urges or behaviour over a long period, causing marked distress or impairment.

At a glance

  • Compulsive sexual behaviour disorder is recognised in ICD-11 as an impulse control disorder.
  • Its key feature is a long-term failure to control intense sexual urges or behaviour, causing marked distress or impairment.
  • Distress based only on moral or religious disapproval is not enough for the diagnosis.
  • A high sex drive or many partners is not in itself a disorder.

In detail

The WHO added the diagnosis to ICD-11, which came into effect in 2022, as an impulse control disorder rather than an addiction. Key features include sexual activity becoming central to life at the expense of health or responsibilities, many unsuccessful attempts to cut down, and continuing despite negative consequences or little satisfaction.

The criteria note that distress based only on moral or religious disapproval of one's own sexual thoughts or behaviour is not enough for the diagnosis. Having a high sex drive or many partners is not in itself a disorder. People concerned about their behaviour can seek assessment from a mental health professional.

In a sentence

  • The psychiatrist explained that compulsive sexual behaviour disorder is about loss of control, not how much sex someone has.
  • The article clarified that ICD-11 lists compulsive sexual behaviour as an impulse control disorder.

Where the word comes from

The World Health Organization added compulsive sexual behaviour disorder to ICD-11, which was adopted in 2019 and came into effect in 2022.

Not to be confused with

  • Libido

    A high libido is a normal variation in desire and is not a disorder in itself.

Common questions

Is compulsive sexual behaviour the same as sex addiction?

Not quite. Sex addiction is a popular term, but the WHO classified compulsive sexual behaviour disorder as an impulse control disorder rather than an addiction. The diagnosis focuses on loss of control and its consequences.

When should someone seek help?

If sexual behaviour feels out of control over a long period, repeated attempts to cut down have failed, or it is harming health, relationships or responsibilities, a mental health professional or GP can offer assessment and support.

Related terms

Sources

  1. World PsychiatryKraus et al. (2018) Compulsive sexual behaviour disorder in the ICD-11
  2. World Health OrganizationICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics