Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Sexual addiction, or hypersexual disorder, often results in many side effects that are often devastating in multiple ways for the individual struggling.
Because of the stereotypes that are typically believed about sexual addiction, it is easy to assume that a person dealing with this type of disorder simply lacks control or is self-indulgent when it comes to sexual activity.
However, there are mental, physical, emotional, and psychological factors that influence a person who is dealing with a sexual addiction.
The mental side effects alone from a sexual addiction can be overbearing, in and of themselves. For example, a person with a sexual addiction may experience a disruption in mood or personality that occur alongside the addiction.
Continually engaging in obsessive and compulsive behaviors associated with a sexual addiction can lead to mental strains and difficulties, such as increased anxiety, depression, or a severe detachment from emotions. A person may even begin to feel dissociated from others or unable to connect or engage on an emotional level.
Severity of Psychological Issues
Because of the severity of emotional, mental, and psychological consequences associated with a sexual addiction, seeking out professional treatment is necessary for addressing the concerning areas that may result.
Having collaborative treatment that includes medical, psychiatric, and psychological care can be helpful for treating the mental side effects that occur with sexual addiction.
Behavioral therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, can all be helpful components in treatment for sexual addiction.
If you are suffering with side effects that are affecting you mentally and emotionally due to a sexual addiction, be sure to reach out for the help you need.
There are many professionals who specialize in the field of addiction recovery, and working with someone who can guide you through the recovery process can help you overcome these mental difficulties.
Restoration of your mental and physical health will not begin until you are able to admit your struggle and your need for help in this area of your life.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
Are you a professional who specializes in sexual addiction? What are some of the common mental side effects you have observed in this area as a result of sexual addiction, and what are the most effective forms of treatment?
Crystal Karges
Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on November 17, 2015
Published on AddictionHope.com