Hyper-sexuality Compulsion, Addiction, or Myth Hyper-sexuality: A Compulsive sexual behavior also known as hypersexual disorder, nymphomania or sexual addiction.

Hyper-sexuality is defined as a dysfunctional preoccupation with sexual thoughts, feelings, fantasies, compulsive sex with prostitutes, anonymous sex with multiple partners, multiple affairs outside a committed relationship, frequent patronizing of sexually-oriented establishments, habitual exhibitionism, habitual voyeurism, inappropriate sexual touching, sexual abuse of children, and rape (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2011). Hyper-sexuality, which can also be called sexual addiction, affects both males and females and is predominately seen in males. Hyper-sexuality is characterized by an obsessive need to engage in sexual activity beyond what is considered normal. It is considered a progressive addiction similar to gambling, binge eating or compulsive spending. Persons suffering from Hyper-sexuality typically spend a greater amount of time engaging in the pursuit of sex and romance than they do in the actual sexual act. They are addicted to the neuro-chemical and the dissociative high produced by their intense sexual fantasy life and ritualistic behavior (Chughtai, et al., 2010). The topic of sex addiction is a matter of subjective judgment, because there is no empirical scientific evidence that confirms the existence of sex addiction. However, there was a very serious debate amongst therapists to make sex addition a diagnosable disease in the upcoming revision #5 of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association. Therapist who opposed the classification of sex addiction did so because they felt that sex addiction is more of a moral and social issue than a medical one. Therapists who were in favor of classification for Hyper-sexuality recognized that a behavior that provides pleasure and escape from internal discomfort in a pattern of failure to control the discomfort by continuing the behavior that causes the discomfort is a disorder. Jessie James and Tiger Woods to name a few are perfect examples of men who demonstrated an explicit pattern of compulsive and addictive sexual behaviors in their inability to control their sexual behavior (King, 2012). The Cause and Origin of Hyper-sexuality Hyper-sexuality Dysfunction is complex and involves a variety of physiological and psychological mechanisms. Head traumas, brain surgeries, and medications have been associated with Hyper-sexuality. An imbalance or high levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine may be related to compulsive sexual behavior, because these brain chemicals also help regulate your mood. Androgens are sex hormones that occur naturally in both men and women play a vital role in sexual desire although it is not completely understood how they're related to compulsive sexual behavior (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2011). The onset of Hyper-sexuality has been associated with frontal lobe lesions, frontal and temporal lesions, temporal lobe epilepsy, dementia, Kluver-Bucy syndrome, multiple lesions in multiple sclerosis, and treatment of Parkinson's disease and Bipolar Disorder. The frontal lobe

dysfunction can lead to a lack of restraint in sexual behavior, and abnormalities within the temporal lobe are involved in the development of various fetishes, paraphilia, and pedophilia. Some theorist has suggested that Hyper-sexuality is a result of drive dysregulation in association with a mood disorder--similar to eating disorders. Others have suggested that anxiety plays an important role in triggering compulsive sexual behavior to temporarily relieve symptoms; this is followed by further distress and a self-perpetuating cycle of anxiety and obsessive and compulsive behavior. Yet some other therapist has suggested that Hyper-sexuality is best conceptualized as an impulse control disorder such as compulsive gambling, kleptomania, and pyromania (Chughtai, et al., 2010) Symptoms Hyper-sexuality is evident when an obsession about sex interferes with ones daily routine of life and they demonstrate a lack of discrimination about when, where and whom they will have sex. Other symptoms include: a pattern of out-of-control behavior, suffering severe consequences due to excessive sexual behavior, a persistent pursuit of self-destructive or high-risk sexual behavior, an ongoing desire or effort to limit sexual behavior, the inability to stop despite adverse consequences, and neglecting important social, occupational, or recreational activities in favor of sexual activities (Rice, 1997). Therapy and Treatment An individual may participate in self-help groups in an effort to understand and decrease their excessive behavior, but in most cases a more in-depth examination and treatment is needed to properly diagnose and treat Hyper-sexuality disorder. A psychiatrist, psychologist and/or a medical professional is needed to rule out any and all association with drug abuse and the mental health disorders that include Hyper-sexuality as a symptom. A thorough physical examination and background history will help to define the nature and cause linked to your sexual behavior. Types of Therapy Psychodynamic psychotherapy focuses on increasing your awareness of unconscious thoughts and behaviors, and help to develop new insights into your motivations, and resolving conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones. Group therapy. Require you meet regularly with a group, under guidance of a mental health professional, to explore emotions and relationships. Compulsive sexual behavior affects the entire family, so it's often helpful to involve your partner or children in joint therapy sessions (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2011). Although the cause of compulsive sexual behavior isn't known, and it is not clear how it might be prevented, but there are a few things that can assist in helping to keep this type of behavior in check.

 Get help early for problems with sexual behavior. Identifying and treating early symptoms may help prevent compulsive sexual behavior from getting worse over time, or escalating into a downward spiral of shame, self-esteem problems and harmful acts. Discover what drives you. Identify situations, thoughts and feelings that may trigger sexual compulsions so that you can take steps to manage them. Avoid risky situations. Don't jeopardize your health or that of others by putting yourself into situations where you'll be tempted to engage in risky sexual practices. If you have a sexual addiction or know of someone who suffers with Hyper-sexuality it is important to seek help in order to change the behavior pattern. People with compulsive sexual behavior will often have other addictions or mental health it is important to set aside any feelings of shame and embarrassment and focus on improving and controlling the sexual behavior that can possibly destroy your hopes for a lasting relationship.

References Chughtai, B., Khan, S. A., Mohan, E., Rehman, H., Rehman, J., & Sciullo, D. (2010). Etiology, diagnosis & management of Hyper-sexuality: a review. The Internet Journal of Urology. King, B. M. (2012). Human sexuality Today (Seventh Edition ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2011, September 15). Compulsive sexual behavior. Embody Health. Rice, R. (1997). The startling truth about sexual addiction.