Diagnosing ‘Sexual Addiction’ Accurately

Ben Hughes School of Social Work and Social Policy

Trinity College Dublin

Background Treatment providers report an increase in the number of individuals presenting with out-of-control sexual behaviour. A proposal is being considered to designate this behaviour as a sexual disorder and classify it as a psychiatric condition in the upcoming edition of the DSM-V. The concept remains highly controversial and the debate continues regarding how to conceptualise this behaviour. Aim This purpose of this paper is to critique the concept of sexual addiction and to examine out-of-control behaviour within a broad context and examine a range of possible explanations for the behaviour. Methodology A phenomenological approach is used which involved a literature review followed by a pilot study, focus groups, questionnaires and interviews. Participants included 54 treatment providers working in the area of child care, sexual health and education. Individual face-to-face interviews were conducted, recorded, later transcribed and electronically stored. Ethical approval was obtained and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and Thematic Analysis (TA) are used for data analysis. Findings The term sexual addiction is commonly used, by professionals and others, despite the lack of any recognised medical classification or diagnostic criteria. Despite its popular use, some treatment providers argue that the term is inaccurate, used prematurely and pejorative. They claim that the use of this term does not give sufficient recognition to other significant socio-cultural and medical factors which influences sexual behaviour. Out-of-control sexuality may be a manifestation of a range of underlying or co-morbid neurological, endocrine and psychiatric disorders, among others, which when treated, eases the condition and regularises the sexual behaviour. Conclusions and Implications Out-of-control or dysregulated sexual behaviour is associated with a variety of physiological and psychological issues. Careful consideration is required to establish the true identity of such behaviour so as to respond accurately and to avoid inappropriate labelling. This research is funded by the Irish Research Council for the Humanities & Social Sciences IRCHSS