Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder – the evolution of a new diagnosis introduced to the ICD-11, current evidence and ongoing research challenges

Abstract

In 2019 Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) has been officially included in the forthcoming 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases published by the World Health Organization (WHO). The placement of CSBD as a new disease entity was preceded by a three-decade-long discussion on the conceptualization of these behaviors. Despite the potential benefits of WHO's decisions, the controversy around this topic has not ceased. Both clinicians and scientists are still debating on gaps in the current knowledge regarding the clinical picture of people with CSBD, and the neural and psychological mechanisms underlying this problem. This article provides an overview of the most important issues related to the formation of CSBD as a separate diagnostic unit in the classifications of mental disorders (such as DSM and ICD), as well as a summary of the major controversies related to the current classification of CSBD.