Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Hypersexuality

Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Hypersexuality Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Mania and Hypomania Print The Connection Between Bipolar Disorder and Hypersexuality By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on July 10, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on June 17, 2019 Bipolar Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children Your Rights Tom Merton / Caiaimage / Getty Images Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a diagnosis bestowed upon those who experience sweeping  mood swings that range from depressive lows to manic highs. Its a disorder that can have a variety of adverse effects on your life, including irritability, psychosis, sadness, low energy, low motivation, or loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities. How Bipolar Disorder Can Affect Your Sex Life In addition to these more general symptoms, however, bipolar disorder can also affect your sex life, leading to a drastically increased libido during periods of mania. Some who experience this heightened sexuality may receive a diagnosis of hypersexuality  or  sexual addiction, a diagnosis that still carries a lot of controversy within the fields of both psychology and sexuality. There are those who hesitate to pathologize sexuality in this way. After all, its difficult to measure how much of a sex drive is too much. No matter what you choose to call it, however, if these symptoms become disruptive to your life, its worth seeking out help. Understanding Hypersexuality Hypersexuality is defined as an increased need or pressure for sexual gratification. It can often be a symptom of mania, and may also include decreased inhibitions or a need for forbidden sex. Hypersexuality is listed as one of the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder, so its a common part of bipolar disorder. Understandably, if youre experiencing a manic episode and you succumb  to your urges, youre putting your relationships at risk, as well as yourself. Unrestrained hypersexuality can place you at an increased risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Understanding Sexual Addiction Sexual addiction, also known as compulsive sexual behavior, is thinking about and engaging in sexual behavior so often that it interferes with your relationships, your health, your job, or other aspects of your life. It can damage many aspects of your life if its left untreated. Sexual addiction can be just as destructive as being addicted to chemical substances. An estimated 3 to 6 percent of adults in the United States, predominantly male, are sexually addicted. Although sexual addiction is not listed as a disorder in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it can be diagnosed as an impulse-control disorder in the current International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), which is the international standard for diagnosis. Behaviors Associated With Sexual Addiction Some of the specific behaviors associated with sexual addiction include:Compulsive masturbationCompulsive sex with sex workersAnonymous sex with multiple partners (including one night stands)Multiple affairs outside a committed relationshipFrequent patronizing of sexually-oriented establishmentsHabitual exhibitionismHabitual voyeurismInappropriate sexual touchingSexual abuse of childrenRapeIts important to note here that any one of these behaviors in and of itself does not constitute an addiction. Consequences of Compulsive Sexual Behavior These compulsive sexual behaviors can carry a high price. Financially, they can lead to outrageous charges from prostitutes or phone sex lines. Professionally, your behavior may cause you to lose your job. Personally, your relationships, intimate and otherwise, could be damaged. Health-wise, if youre indiscriminate, sexual contacts could lead to disease. If youre concerned about your own behavior, talk to your doctor, or to another sexuality professional. You may  require additional sexual counseling/therapy in addition to the treatment youre already receiving for bipolar disorder.