Hypersexuality Research Articles

Translating the Out of Control Sexual Behavior Treatment Model for Work with Cisgender Women

Currently, there is no agreement within the mental health field on the etiology, diagnosis, or treatment of problematic sexual behavior (PSB) for men or women. The Out of Control Sexual Behavior (OCSB) clinical framework is a flexible and integrative client- centered approach that differs from the more established PSB modalities, which have utilized overly broad sexual symptom assessments and pathologized normal variations in human sexuality. Still, the OCSB framework was created for the treatment of men, and not every aspect of its approach should look the same when used to treat women. In fact, gender-informed clinical assessment and treatment options have historically been limited for women presenting with consensual sexual urges, thoughts, or behaviors that feel out of control for them. This paper’s intention is twofold: 1) to explore the paucity of both historical and current human sexuality research on women’s sexual health and its impact on the clinical treatment of women’s PSB in general and OCSB specifically; and 2) to help broaden current PSB professional dialogue through defining the OCSB framework, translating it for women, and integrating women’s clinical presentations and sexual experiences into the conversation.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE SEXUALITY OF A SAMPLE OF MOROCCAN PATIENTS RECOVERED FROM THE CORONA VIRUS

Since December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has known a rapid and distressing spread. Little is known about the sexual impact on infected patients. However, several studies have reported a significant psychological impact on the population.The objective of our study is to assess the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on the sexuality of individuals who have been infected with the virus.Our study focuses on a population of 50 Moroccan patients initially declared to have COVID-19, using a multiple choice questionnaire on sexuality before and after infection with the virus. All participants were part of a couple in which at least one of the two partners had been infected with SARS-CoV-2.The results showed that all subjects were sexually active before their infection, of which 20% were dissatisfied with their sex life. At the time of our study, 78% of the recovered patients had not resumed sexual activity. 60% said they were anxious about having sex and 81% said the pandemic had altered their sex life. Only one patient reports an increase in libido and an improvement in the quality of orgasm. A couple reported having resumed sexual activity but with a change in their relationships.Anxiety and fear of infecting the other are major concerns, which affect the resumption of normal sexual activity and which sometimes lead to a change in sexual practices.

Three Diagnoses for Problematic Hypersexuality; Which Criteria Predict Help-Seeking Behavior?

This study aimed to assess the best combination of indicators of problematic hypersexuality (PH), in a survey (n = 58,158) targeting individuals wondering if they were sex addicted. The survey allowed for testing of criteria from three theoretical models used to conceptualize PH. Factor analyses for women and men yielded an interpretable grouping of indicators consisting of four factors. In subsequent logistic regressions, these factors were used as predictors for experiencing the need for help for PH. The factors Negative Effects and Extreme positively predicted experiencing the need for help, with Negative Effects as the most important predictor for both women and men. This factor included, among others, withdrawal symptoms and loss of pleasure. The Sexual Desire factor negatively predicted the need for help, suggesting that for the targeted population more sexual desire leads to less PH. The Coping factor did not predict experiencing the need for help. Outcomes show that a combination of indicators from different theoretical models best indicates the presence of PH. Therefore, a measurement instrument to assess existence and severity of PH should consist of such a combination. Theoretically, this study suggests that a more comprehensive model for PH is needed, surpassing existing conceptualizations of PH.

Sexual addiction, compulsivity, and impulsivity among a predominantly female sample of adults who use the internet for sex.

Background and aimsCompulsive sexual behavior is characterized by extensive sexual behavior and unsuccessful efforts to control excessive sexual behavior. The aim of the studies was to investigate compulsivity, anxiety and depression and impulsivity and problematic online sexual activities among adult males and females who use the Internet for finding sexual partners and using online pornography.MethodsStudy 1- 177 participants including 143 women M = 32.79 years (SD = 9.52), and 32 men M = 30.18 years (SD = 10.79). The Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST), the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Spielberger Trait-State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T STAI-S) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Study 2- 139 participants including 98 women M = 24 years (SD = 5) and 41 men M = 25 years (SD = 4). The impulsivity questionnaire (BIS/BAS), Problematic online sexual activities (s-IAT-sex) and Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST).ResultsStudy 1- Multiple regression analysis has indicated that a model which included BDI, Y-BOCS, and STAI scores contributed to the variance of sexual addiction rates, and explained 33.3% of the variance. Study 2- Multiple regression analysis indicated that BIS/BAS and s-IAT scores contributed to the variance of sexual addiction rates, and explained 33% of the variance.Discussion and conclusionsObsessive-compulsive symptoms contributed to sexual addiction among individuals who use the Internet for finding sexual partners. Impulsivity and problematic online sexual activity contributed to ratings of sex addiction. These studies support the argument that sex addiction lies on the impulsive-compulsive scale and could be classified as a behavioral addiction.

Changes in sexual behavior patterns due to stimulants use: three case reports

The paper describes three case reports of changes in sexual behavior patterns in male patients who use stimulants (amphetamine and mephedrone). Two of them demonstrate that the consumption of stimulants may lead to hypersexuality and excessive masturbation. Case report three shows that mephedrone use results in such typical stimulant-related subjective effects as the intensification of sensory experiences and sexual arousal. It leads to the loss of interest in sex without mephedrone. In light of the popularity of sex under the influence of drugs, clinicians should be aware of this phenomenon, since it is associated with high-risk sexual behavior. The description of clinical cases on the link between sex and drugs expands our knowledge in this area, leading to more effective treatment interventions.

Empatia e impulsividade sexual entre estudantes de medicina que enviam imagens íntimas de parceiros

Introdução: A prática de sexting entre estudantes de Medicina tem sido pouco estudada. Embora existam diversos tipos de comportamento envolvendo a troca de imagens sexuais, dois cenários serão examinados aqui: (a) a troca de imagens íntimas somente entre parceiros eróticos; e (b) o compartilhamento de imagens íntimas trocadas por parceiros para outras pessoas fora do relacionamento.
 Objetivo: Verificar diferenças empáticas entre aqueles que praticam sexting dentro de um relacionamento consensual e os que, de forma não consensual, disseminam imagens íntimas do(a) parceiro(a) para terceiros.
 Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal no qual os participantes responderam a um questionário auto-responsivo. Inventários para avaliação de empatia e impulsividade sexual, questionário sobre dados sócio-demográficos e questões sobre a prática de sexting foram aplicados.
 Results: Este estudo incluiu 202 estudantes de Medicina. O grupo que admitiu engajar-se em sexting, independentemente se consensualmente ou não, demonstrou maior impulsividade sexual e menor desconforto do que aqueles que negaram a prática. Apenas os estudantes que admitiram compartilhar imagens íntimas do(a) parceiro(a) mostraram menor preocupação empática (empatia afetiva) e tomada de perspectiva (empatia cognitiva) do que o grupo que negou praticar sexting. Os resultados deste estudo apoiam prévios achados em que pessoas engajadas em sexting demonstram menor desconforto pessoal com suas ações do que aqueles que não praticam.
 Conclusão: Apesar de conhecer as consequências legais de expor imagens íntimas de terceiros sem consentimento, alguns estudantes parecem preferir o risco.

Normal Testosterone but Higher Luteinizing Hormone Plasma Levels in Men With Hypersexual Disorder.

IntroductionHypersexual disorder as suggested to be included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 integrates aspects of sexual desire deregulation, impulsivity, and compulsivity. However, it is unknown how it affects gonadal activity and the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.AimThe aim of this study was to investigate testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in hypersexual men compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, we investigated associations between epigenetic markers and hormone levels.MethodsBasal morning plasma levels of testosterone, LH, and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) were assessed in 67 hypersexual men (mean age: 39.2 years) compared with 39 age-matched healthy controls (mean age: 37.5 years). The Sexual Compulsivity Scale and the Hypersexual Disorder: Current Assessment Scale were used for assessing hypersexual behavior, the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Scale-self rating was used for depression severity, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was used for assessing history of childhood adversity. The genome-wide methylation pattern of more than 850 K CpG sites was measured in whole blood using the Illumina Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip. CpG sites located within 2,000 bp of the transcriptional start site of hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) and HPG axis–coupled genes were included.Main Outcome MeasuresTestosterone and LH plasma levels in association with clinical rating and a secondary outcome was the epigenetic profile of HPA and HPG axis–coupled CpG sites with testosterone and LH levels.ResultsLH plasma levels were significantly higher in patients with hypersexual disorder than in healthy volunteers. No significant differences in plasma testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, prolactin, and SHBG levels were found between the groups. There were no significant associations between DNA methylation of HPA and HPG axis–coupled genes and plasma testosterone or LH levels after multiple testing corrections.ConclusionsSubtle dysregulation of the HPG axis, with increased LH plasma levels but no difference in testosterone levels may be present in hypersexual men.Chatzittofis A, Boström AE, Öberg KG, et al. Normal Testosterone but Higher Luteinizing Hormone Plasma Levels in Men With Hypersexual Disorder. Sex Med 2020;8:243–250.

A narrative review of research on clinical responses to the problem of sexual offenses in the last decade.

Research on the treatment and programs for people who have committed sexual offenses has greatly increased in the past decade. The aim of this review is to discuss research that has been published over that period (2010-2019) that is relevant for treatment providers. The articles included in this review were found through PsycINFO and PubMed (Medline) using the keywords "treatment or therapy" and "sex offen*". The inclusion criteria were publications that discuss treatment of persons who have committed sexual offenses (written in the English language only). Any articles that examined only special populations were excluded, such as those that examined persons who committed sexual offenses who were female, had intellectual disabilities, deafness, juveniles, etc., because these groups will likely have needs and responsivity factors that differ from the "average" natal-born male sex offender. Results showed that several meta-analyses indicate that treatment is effective in reducing sexual recidivism. The most frequently used treatment for sex offenders is cognitive behavioral therapy, which is often provided in conjunction with pharmacological treatment to reduce sexual impulsivity and/or sex drive. This review is limited to the specific key search terms. The findings of this review support the use of treatment and a community reintegration approach when treating persons who have committed sexual crimes to prevent sexual recidivism.

THE VERDICT IN KARLSRUHE: "LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR THE BUTCHER FROM MINSK!»

The trial against Karlsruhe criminal police Secretary Adolf Rube, held in 1949, was the first trial in Germany, during which Nazi atrocities committed on the territory of Belarus were considered. By the example of this process, the paper attempts to identify the specifics of West Germany courts’ consideration of criminal cases related to the commission of Holocaust crimes in Eastern Europe. German law excluded the possibility of punishing Nazi criminals for genocide, crimes against peace and humanity. Guided by the norms of the German Criminal Code of 1871, German justice considered each case of murder of Jews during the years of national socialism as a separate crime, caused by personal motives. Based on this, A. Rube was punished not for participating in the state-organized, bureaucratically planned genocide of the Jewish people, but for committing separate, unrelated murders. The defendant, who was accused of killing 436 Jews in the Minsk ghetto, was found guilty of unlawfully depriving 27 people of their lives and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, in 1962 he was amnestied and was released. By presenting the Holocaust as a mosaic of individual, unrelated criminal acts, German justice maintained the illusion that "normal" Germans "knew nothing" about the mass extermination of Jews, that the Holocaust was solely the product of the Hitler’s actions, his fanatical entourage, and individual "pathological sadists," "sex maniacs," and "upstarts" such as A. Rube, who sought to assert themselves at the expense of Jewish victims.

Intervention Strategies of Excessive Masturbation for a 19-Years Youth: Experience of Counseling Intervention

Introduction: Excessive masturbation has for long been reported to affect youths with intervention strategies to intervene with this problem remaining unclear. This study aimed at determining the underlying factors for excessive masturbation, its effects and intervention strategies used. Methods: This was a case study design for a youth aged 19 years; affected by excessive masturbation. Data were collected through individual counseling and intervention. It involved 15 counseling sessions which were run in nine months in a three weeks interval. The sessions involved narration and exploration of the causes and effects of masturbation. Counseling intervention was built in a vicious circle. Results: Several factors, effects and intervention strategies were identified, reported and discussed in this study. Main causes were such as stories from friends and pornographic videos. Effects were multiple risk behaviors and health problems. Counseling model for individual was developed. Conclusion: The study indicates that there are multiple causes and effects of excessive masturbation. Since masturbation is secretly done, the effects are not widely known to many people. Most of these effects are long-term which affects a person psychologically, physically, socially and morally.

Hypersexuality and pharmacological treatment options

Objectives. There are no standardised guidelines regarding the pharmacotherapy of compulsive sexual behaviour. The paper aims to review the available literature concerning the treatment of excessive sexual activity disorders. Specific mechanisms underlying hypersexuality and the consequent potential differences in its treatment were considered. Literature review. The classification of sexual disorders related to excessive sexual activity is rather problematic. Both DSM-5 and ICD-11 lack in a homogenous classification of this disorder. Currently, the safest and most beneficial drugs for patients with non-paraphilic disorders seem to be SSRI medications. Drugs presenting an antiandrogenic action (LHRH) are not recommended due to their side effects, apart from cases proceeding with severe symptoms. Promising results were obtained in a trial with naltrexone; yet, the study did not fulfil methodological norms. Other medications used in the treatment of hypersexuality are of minor importance; however, they may be used especially when psychiatric comorbidities are present. Conclusions. The best effects in the treatment of compulsive sexual behaviour are obtained with the combination of psychotherapy and SSRI drugs. Few methodologically correct studies have been performed. Most studies are carried out on small groups and fail to use methods which would enable to compare various therapeutic options. Research on the pharmacotherapy of non-paraphilic hypersexuality should be continued, especially regarding drugs which may act on the obsessive-compulsive mechanism.

SEXUAL DISORDERS AFTER HEART TRANSPLANT

The aim: To systematize and bring the reader closer to knowledge about the occurrence of sexual disorders in people after heart transplantation based on available bibliography. Material and methods: A review of the literature on this topic from the last 30 years made with using the PubMed database, using a total of 17 articles. Conclusions: The incidence of sexual dysfunction (SD) is higher in heart recipients than in the general population and erectile dysfunction is the most common. When the symptoms of dysfunction occur before the transplant - they do not improve, rather they get worse, which reduces the improvement in the quality of life of these patients compared to patients without sexual dysfunction. Improvement in quality of life is observed in patients with SD after heart transplantation, but not as pronounced as in subjects without sexual dysfunction. Some patients notice an increase in libido, with the genital response being insufficient or completely disappearing, which results in a decrease in the quality of relationships between partners and a deterioration in the quality of life. The cause of SD in heart recipients is unclear, but it is associated with the type of immunosuppression used, the level of sexual activity and the state of health of patients prior to transplantation. Nowadays patients after ortotrophic heart transplant live longer and their quality of life improves, but not in sexual terms. The articles concerned almost exclusively men, that is why the topic requires exploration in subsequent research.

A history of prolonged childhood sexual abuse is associated with more severe clinical presentation of borderline personality disorder in adolescent female inpatients – A naturalistic study

BackgroundBorderline personality disorder (BPD) is associated with high rates of suicidal and self-injurious behaviors and a substantial proportion of BPD patients have a history of trauma, particularly childhood sexual abuse (CSA). ObjectiveTo compare the clinical presentation severity in female adolescent inpatients with BPD with and without history of prolonged CSA. Participants and settingFemale adolescent BPD patients admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit. MethodsA retrospective analysis of records of the inpatients, divided into two groups: with (n = 38) and without (n = 40) a history of prolonged CSA. Prolonged CSA was defined as sexual abuse continuing for at least 3 months. Demographic and clinical data, including number and duration of psychiatric hospitalizations until the age 19, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), suicide attempts, cigarette smoking, alcohol and drug use, and sexual impulsivity were compared between the two groups. ResultsThe BPD + prolonged CSA group had a larger duration of the first psychiatric hospitalization, number of hospitalizations and cumulative length of hospitalizations compared with the control group. Furthermore, the BPD + prolonged CSA group had a higher number of suicidal attempts, and higher rates of severe NSSI events, cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and sexual impulsivity. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated for the first time that adolescent female BPD inpatients with a history of prolonged CSA, manifest more severe clinical presentation compared to those without prolonged CSA. Hence, it appears essential to encourage therapists to inquire about history of CSA and refer adolescent female BPD inpatients with prolonged CSA to appropriate intensive therapy.

Hallucinogen use is associated with mental health and addictive problems and impulsivity in university students

BackgroundThis study examined the prevalence of hallucinogen use in a large sample of university students and its associations with mental health issues. Methods9449 students received a 156-item anonymous online survey, which assessed the use of hallucinogens (ever or past year), alcohol and drug use, mental health issues, and impulsive and compulsive traits. Group differences were characterized using statistical tests (p values reported uncorrected, but only regarded as significant if surviving Bonferroni correction). Results3525 university students (57.7% female) responded to the survey. The prevalence of past 12-month hallucinogen use in the sample was 4.7%, with an additional 6.4% reporting having used more than 12 months ago. Hallucinogen use was associated with the use of multiple other drugs (e.g., alcohol, opiates) (each p < 0.001), mental health problems (p < 0.001), risky sexual behavior (p < 0.001), low self-esteem (p = 0.004), and impulsivity traits (p < 0.001) but not compulsivity. Effect sizes were small to medium. ConclusionPast use of hallucinogens was reported in 11.1%, and was associated with a variety of mental health and drug use problems. Clinicians should be aware that use of hallucinogens is common and mental health problems are more likely in those who use hallucinogens. This study indicates the need for longitudinal research into the negative effects of hallucinogen use on brain function and mental health, especially in young people. Such research should address the extent to which impulsive traits predispose to various substance use problems, versus the direct effects of hallucinogens (and other substances) on mental health.

SEXUAL PROBLEMS IN THE PATIENTS WITH PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

Sexual disorders are very common problems in the psychiatric patients. Many factors induce sexual dysfunction, e.g. the effects of antidepressants and antipsychotics. The article reviews literature on sexual disorders in psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders and eating disorders. Bipolar disorder significantly affects the quality of life and increases the risk of sexual dysfunction. In the manic phase there is an increase in libido, which is associated with the risky sexual behavior. Depressive disorders are associated with reduced libido and dissatisfaction with sexual activity. Panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder are correlated with less frequent sexual contact. Decreased sexual desire and sexual aversion are strongly associated with anxiety disorders. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia is high among both those treated and untreated. Women suffering from schizophrenia have anorgasmia, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, vaginism, and dyspareunia. Men suffering from schizophrenia as the main complaints give lowering the drive of difficulty in maintaining an erection, delaying orgasm. In patients with eating disorders, libido decreases as well as sexual activity and the level of sexual satisfaction decreases. Satisfaction with sexual life is an important factor affecting the quality of life. Patients rarely deal with problems in sexual life, so questions about this area of life should not be overlooked during a medical interview.

Almost famous: Peter Woodcock, media framing, and obscurity in the cultural construction of a serial killer

This article contributes to criminological research on cultural constructions of serial murderers by investigating the little-known Canadian case of Peter Woodcock. There is a tacit scholarly consensus that news media routinely sensationalize modern serial killers as celebrity monsters. The case of Woodcock aligns with a different theoretical trajectory geared toward explaining the relative obscurity of otherwise “made for primetime” serial murder events. Examining coverage in the local and national press, the article builds on the sparse literature concerned with absences in conventional explanations for how news media participate in the cultural construction of serial murderers. It does so by gleaning insights into the ways in which Woodcock was simultaneously framed as a sadistic sex maniac responsible for killing three young children in the 1950s and a victim of social circumstance owing to his troubled upbringing. Although Woodcock killed before the rise of the serial killer claims-making industry in the 1980s, the article concludes by reflecting on the curious absence of a retroactively reconstructed modern melodramatic storyline in light of the surreal characteristics of the investigation leading up to his arrest and the circumstances that enabled him to gruesomely kill again in 1991.

Digit ratio (2D:4D) and testosterone supplementation

BackgroundTestosterone (T) is taken or prescribed to enhance appearance, increase athletic performance and libido and to treat hypogonadism. Digit ratio (2D:4D) is thought to be a negative correlate of prenatal T. Here we consider the relationship between 2D:4D and T supplementation. AimsOur sample was taken from the BBC internet study. Respondents were asked (y/n) if they were taking; (i) T, (ii) hormone replacement therapy with T (HRTwT). We removed extreme 2D:4D values and age and considered the most numerous ethnic group (i.e. “Whites”). Analyses were performed with a two-factor (sex*T) analysis of variance with covariate age and dependent variables 2D:4D or right-left 2D:4D (Dr-l). ResultsOut of 197,589 respondents, 793 (598 males) reported taking T. There was a significant main effect for right 2D:4D such that T supplementing males had higher 2D:4D than those who did not. The sex*T interaction was significant, but the effect reversed in females. There were 22,576 (661 males) participants who reported taking HRTwT. We found a significant main effect for right 2D:4D, males taking HRTwT had higher 2D:4D than those who did not. This was reversed in females. The sex*HRTwT interaction was significant, a high Dr-l was also found in males reporting HRTwT. ConclusionMales who reported taking T or HRTwT had high right 2D:4D and/or Dr-l. The situation with females may be the reverse of that found in males but effect sizes are less. The health implications of an association between high (feminized) 2D:4D and T supplementation in males are discussed.

Normative Data for Executive Function and Emotion Interaction Assessment in Adolescents from Rural Areas

Abstract Objective The present work is part of the ongoing project of examining the validation and standardization of the Executive Functions and Emotion Assessment for Adolescents with Risk Behaviors (EFEAA) test in the rural areas of Northwest Mexico. The objectives of the present study were (1) to examine the effects of age and risk behavior on emotionally interfered working memory ability, measured as performance on the Emotionally Interfered Working Memory Task (EIWMT) section of the EFEAA in a group of healthy adolescents from rural areas; and (2) to use these results to construct normative data that can be used in clinical practice. Participants and Method A total of 275 adolescents, 14.1 years old, geographically distributed among northwest Mexico were included in the sample. They were individually assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Risk Behavior Questionnaire, including: sexual risk behavior, impulsiveness, drug, alcohol, and tobacco consumption, unhealthy food intake, and physical inactivity; for measuring emotion-cognition interaction we used the EIWMT. Results Results of this study present a database supported by factors of risk behavior and working memory, which includes: predictors for conduct disorders, drug use, and delinquency, in addition to correlations between the performance of emotionally interfered working memory and risk behaviors associated to health. Percentile and normal distribution tables were generated, demonstrating that there is a high prevalence of risk behavior in rural areas. Conclusions This study demonstrates data related to rural areas in northwest Mexico, a region where adolescents are frequently involved in risk behaviors. Additionally, protective factors are understudied in Mexico-US border cities. Further analyses are needed to find reward delay skills on the studied sample as well as urban area comparisons.

Rita Renoir. Quando Artaud fa lo striptease

Emotionally engaged as Stanislavskij, cruel as Artaud, Rita elaborates her strip along four ‘perversions’ of the itinerary from Eros to Thanatos: Exhibitionism formulates its double in the Icon; Nymphomania makes an obsessed repetition of it; Humiliation publicly humiliates that nymphomaniac inclination; finally, Disintegration disfigures the Icon in the corps morcele, manifesting together the sublime exterior and the interior excrementitious and unclean. But not so much that the Simulacrum cannot return to shine, to start again....

Borderline personality disorder is associated with an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections: A nationwide population-based cohort study in Taiwan

BackgroundSeveral features of borderline personality disorder (BPD) are likely to be associated with sexual health problems, such as unstable attachment, unstable sexual identity and sexual impulsivity. Since the issue of...