Causes and risk factors
Exact cause of Compulsive sexual behaviour is not known. Heredity, environment, past events in one’s life, neurotransmitter imbalance in the brain can be possible causes. Risk factors for Compulsive sexual behaviour are Young adults under the age of 30, female gender, homosexual orientation, history of mental illness in the family, past history of mental disorder, excessive mental stress, escape from loneliness, anxiety, depression. Some neurological diseases associated with Compulsive sexual behaviour are epilepsy, Huntington’s disease, treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
Clinical presentation
Repeated and uncontrolled desire for sex, engaging in sexual intercourse at a frequency much higher than normal, involving in obsessive self stimulation [masturbation], debauchery, extra marital affairs, difficulty in concentrating on other tasks due to overindulgence in sexual thoughts, attending strip clubs, watching excessive pornography are some of the common clinical features. Some patients may show symptoms such as sexual activities involved with child [paedophilia], inanimate objects [fetishism], exposing genitals to strangers [exhibitionism], and observing sexual activities of unaware victims [voyeurism]. The activities are followed by feelings of guilt or shame. This behaviour starts in late adolescence and peaks in mid 20s. Many of these activities are illegal and patients are under legal consequences due to their behaviour. Compulsive sexual behaviour of this type causes severe psychological effects and problems in family and interpersonal relationships leading to separation and divorce. Patients are at a higher risk of developing STDs.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and psychological evaluation by the psychiatrist or psychotherapist helps in diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment involves psychotherapy. Medications such as antidepressants, anti anxiety or antipsychotic drugs will also help in managing Compulsive sexual behaviour.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating Compulsive sexual behaviour. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating Compulsive sexual behaviour.
