Can Addiction Be Classified As A Real Addiction - 1932 Words

Can addiction to sex be classified as a real addiction? Features Hypersexual Disorder failed to be included in the appendix of the DSM-V (APA, 2012). This was mainly due to the risks associated with pathologising normal behaviours, and the potential forensic implications associated with such a diagnosis (Kafka, 2010). However, both the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the American Society of Addiction Medicine recognise that a disorder exists in which sexual behaviour is addictive (World Health Organisation, 2007; American Society of Addiction Medicine, 2011) Sex addiction can be defined as an excessive and maladaptive sex drive, which requires the frequency and intensity of sexual behaviours to increase despite†¦show more content†¦These behaviours are often used as coping mechanisms to manage dysphoric affect, as they lack the ability to cope with the emotional pain and shame caused by their behaviour (Carnes, 1999; Kennedy Pendley, 2002). Greiner and Carroll (2008) found that sexually addicted men had higher levels of anxiety, were more likely to have an insecure attachment style, and were distant and avoidant in their close relationships. The mean age of onset is 18.7 years, however, sufferers are most likely to seek treatment during their forties and fifties (Kafka, 2010). Common comorbidites associated with sex addiction include other addictive disorders such as gambling and substance abuse (Kaplan Krueger, 2010), major depression, anxiety and ADHD (Bancroft, 2009). Sex Addiction and Drug Based Addictions Sex addiction and drug based addictions are very similar. They are both characterised by a) a loss of control, b) continuation of behaviour/substance use despite significant adverse consequences, and c) obsession and preoccupation with the behaviour/substance (APA, 2012). Carnes (1991) has identified, as in substance abuse, tolerance and withdrawal components to sex addiction. A sex addict must increase the frequency of their sexual behaviour, just as an opiate addict must take larger doses to achieve the same effect. They also experience distress, anxiety, restlessness and irritability if they are unable to engage in the