Male sex addiction or satyriasis, a real problem

Male hypersexuality or satyriasis describes a type of maladaptive and clearly compulsive behavior. In this case, what there really is is anxiety and an urgent need to obtain pleasure. However, as in any addiction, little by little this dynamic generates dissatisfaction, obsession and loss of control of the patient’s own life.

This irrepressible behavior has its female version in another clinical condition called nymphomania. Thus, both realities can be described and delimited under the concept of hypersexuality. This condition today falls under obsessive-compulsive disorders.

It was la la American Psychiatric Association (APA) who in 2010 tried to replace the classic definition of “sex addiction” with hypersexuality. What Martin Paul Kafka, promoter of the initiative and expert in disorders such as paraphilia and sex addiction, wanted was to highlight this impulsive and compulsive behavior. which can completely disrupt the personal reality and functionality of any person who suffers from it.

Thus, and despite this proposal, it should be said that currently there is still no consensus on this issue.. Studies such as the one published by Dr. Katherine L. Derbyshire, from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, at the University of Chicago, remind us that There are psychiatrists who do not see compulsive behavior as an addiction.

Hence, conditions such as satirism are frequently diagnosed but without yet having a defined criterion, a unanimity towards this type of disorder.

Sex addiction: criteria

Hypersexuality disorder has not been added to the list of psychiatric disorders in the DSM V. This manual refers to the fact that there are certain aspects of sexuality, such as hypersexuality, that cannot be categorized, or that their inclusion in the manual would be dictated by moral norms or psychosocial values..

It would be necessary to add that, according to the community of experts, all those obsessive acts that hinder our ability to develop a normal life, interfering in our social or work environment, can clearly be considered a pathological disorder.

In this case, the sex addict, you are dissatisfied with yourself and have no control over the actions you take. Therefore, it leads you to develop and remain in a negative state of mind.

Also, as time passes, the sex addict will need more and better stimuli to calm his need. Even if that pleasure is only momentary and you will soon return to a self-destructive circle, in search of new objectives that satisfy your restlessness.

What symptoms does satyriasis present?

Generally, men who suffer from hypersexuality or satyriasis manifest the following symptoms:

A large consumption of pornography. They have several sexual relations in a single night. Generally, with unknown people or through prostitution.They resort compulsively to masturbation. This behavior or need interferes with daily life, social, personal and work activities. They spend much of their time trapped in sexual fantasies.They present dysphoric mood states (anxiety, hyperactivity, frustration, guilt, irritability). Repetitive but unsuccessful efforts to control or reduce both sexual fantasies and sexual behavior.Difficulty feeling pleasure or complete satisfaction after the relationship.It is common for men to suffer from one or more sexually transmitted diseases. Well, due to the great need they have, they usually forget to use condoms when having sex.

In some cases, the man with satyriasis may experience a strong urge to engage in sexual activities considered wrong by societysuch as sadism, voyeurism and even pedophilia.

Causes of satirism

The causes of satirism are not entirely clear, since each patient presents a different personal reality. However, some common triggers can be identified, these are:

Difficulty regulating emotions, so satyriasis appears as an organism’s response to deal with unresolved psychic conflicts. Brain damage to the hypothalamus and nucleus accumbes. Substance abuse.genetic causes, such as the DR D4 7R+ Gene variant. Having low self-esteem. Suffering from sexual dysfunctions.Having been a victim of sexual abuse in childhood.Some psychological disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, can also cause excess sexual desire.

For its part, a study published in Journal of Behavioral Addictions states that certain neurological disorders can cause an individual to act inappropriately and possibly lead to hypersexuality as a result. Among the most common are:

Alzheimer diseasewhich causes sexual disinhibition due to deterioration in the frontal and temporal lobes.Pick’s diseasewhich harms the regulation of socially acceptable behaviors.Kleine-Levin syndromewhich causes hypersomnia which in turn can cause abnormal behaviors such as hypersexuality.

Diagnosis of satyriasis

To determine if a person suffers from hypersexuality (either satyriasis or nymphomania) You must meet the first four requirements:

Inability to control your impulses.Experiencing withdrawal syndrome.Develop a strong psychological dependence.Loss of interest in other activities

Nevertheless, There are other factors that can serve as indicators for sex addiction.such as:

Having more sexual behaviors than desired.Strong sexual desire accompanied by an inability to control it.Constant concern about sexuality.Irritability when sexual behavior cannot be consummated.Much of the time is spent pursuing activities of a sexual nature.

However, it is important to highlight that The diagnosis of this condition must be made by a mental health specialist.who will make the pertinent evaluations to accurately determine the presence of this or other conditions.

Treatment for satyriasis or hypersexuality

When treating satyriasis or sex addiction in men, different approaches are combined. The goal is for the patient to acquire control over their behavior and over that emotional physiology loaded with anxiety (relaxation techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy strategies can be used and, in more particular cases, resort to the administration of certain drugs).

On the other hand, the patient must also assume a cognitive domain, that is, control his thoughts and fantasies. To do this, thought detection techniques, self-instructions, etc. can be used. In this way, we could summarize the therapeutic strategies in these three areas:

A personal evaluation. A sexual education program where attitudes towards sex can be worked on.Emotional management.Improve interpersonal relationships.Relaxation techniques.Exposure and response prevention techniques aimed at controlling compulsive behaviors.

To conclude, we should point out that we are facing an inconspicuous but common disorder. Allowing ourselves to fall into these repetitive and exhausting circles is to lose all control over our own life. Anxiety for pleasure ends up generating suffering, so let us not hesitate to take the step and ask for expert help.

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