All About Sex Addition

I've tried to gather here for resources to help spouses understand the behavior of sex addicts, as well as the underlying issues and the co-morbid addictions and personality disorders which may exist.

Diagnosis

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as a global diagnostic standard for identifying and coding health information.

According to WHO, compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) is a type of impulse control disorder characterized by a persisting pattern of failed attempts to control sexual impulses or urges resulting in repetitive sexual behaviors lasting over an extended period of time (at least 6 months).

Possible symptoms identified for a person suffering from compulsive sexual behavior disorder include, but are not limited to, preoccupation with sexual activities to the detriment of personal health, interests, and responsibilities; numerous failed attempts to reduce sexual behaviors; and continued engagement in sexual activities despite harmful impact or negative consequences to self and/or others. Compulsive sexual behavior disorder can cause significant distress and diminished ability to function within a variety of important areas, such as work, school, family, relationships, or personal care. It is important to note that the distress characterized by this disorder cannot be solely based on a person’s moral beliefs or judgment about sexual impulses, urges, or behaviors.

How Sex Addicts see their Addiction:

According to Sexual Compulsives Anonymous, this disease has three dimensions: physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Physically, we engage in sexual behaviors that we know are not healthy for us or that place us in legal, physical, or spiritual jeopardy. Emotionally, we experience a "high" in contemplating and engaging in the "acting out" behavior, followed by an emotional let-down after acting out has concluded. Spiritually, we feel disconnected from others, especially from relationships we want to be "healthy" ones.