Problematic Hypersexuality: A Review of Conceptualization and Diagnosis

Abstract

There has been considerable debate regarding the conceptualization and diagnosis of individuals exhibiting problematic hypersexuality. Various terms such as sexual addiction, sexual compulsivity, and sexual impulsivity have been applied based predominantly on the perceived psychopathological mechanisms guiding the behavior. Unfortunately, such descriptive diversity has inhibited adequate conceptualization and current diagnostic practices, which in turn, have negatively impacted treatment design. This paper critically reviews the extant literature regarding the conceptualization and diagnosis of problematic hypersexuality. Additionally, this review highlights the utility of a relatively new conceptualization of problematic hypersexuality, the Sexual Desire Disorders model, which accounts for many of the limitations inherent in previous explanatory models. Finally, diagnostic, conceptual, and treatment implications are discussed.