Nymphomania: symptoms, causes and treatment

Nymphomania refers to excessive and compulsive sexual desire or behavior in women. Other terms to describe it are «sexual addiction», «compulsive sexual behavior» either «hypersexuality». To refer to this condition in men, the notion of «satyriasis».

It is a somewhat controversial concept; since there is no consensus in the scientific community. It was proposed to include it as a new diagnosis in the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), but it was not accepted. Therefore, It is usually considered as a subcategory within other psychological disorders due to its high comorbidity.

In this article we explore its main symptoms, in addition to analyzing its possible causes and recommended treatments.

Main symptoms of nymphomania

Nymphomania is characterized by the increase in the frequency and intensity of sexual fantasies, impulses and behaviors in women, causing significant distress. In general, it manifests itself from the following symptoms:

Excessive dedication to sex

The person spends considerable time immersed in sexual fantasies, either planning them or carrying them out. This may include the consumption of pornography, the practice of masturbation, consensual sexual relations, cybersex, among others.

Use of sex as a response to unpleasant moods

When women feel bored, irritable, anxious or depressed, they turn to sex as a form of escape or distraction. Additionally, she uses it in the face of stressful events as a way to relieve emotional tension.

Disregard of physical or emotional risks

She does not take into account the possible negative consequences that her sexual behavior can have both for herself and for other people involved.

Feeling of lack of control

Despite attempts to reduce his sexual thoughts or behaviors, he is unable to do so because he becomes addictive and compulsive. A dynamic lacking control is established that, in some cases, ends up generating negative emotions such as anguish, frustration, helplessness and affectation of daily life.

Significant discomfort

Hypersexuality causes discomfort by negatively interfering in different aspects of a person’s life. It affects both your ties and your work or professional performance. It has an impact on the emotional, social, cognitive and interpersonal sphere, as well as the physical and mental health of those who suffer from it.

What are the causes?

Nymphomania can arise without a clear cause in most cases. Nevertheless, a considerable relationship has been observed with other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, OCD, depression and anxiety. This is what it indicates « Sex addiction: “Independent pathology or comorbid symptom?”, article published by the Ibero-American Review of Psychosomatics.

On the other hand, while there is not enough research to establish a specific connection, compulsive sexual behavior manifests itself in some people with different forms of dementia such as Pick’s disease, Kleine-Levin syndrome or Alzheimer’s.

In addition, the consumption of alcohol and some psychoactive substances such as gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (known as liquid ecstasy) or methamphetamine also enhance compulsive sexual behavior in certain people. According to a recent study carried out in Colombia, the same thing happens with cocaine.

Regarding psychological and environmental factors, a study carried out by researchers at the University of Chicago suggests that Most people with this problem come from dysfunctional families. Another report published in the magazine American Journal of Psychiatry reports that 22 and 31% of individuals with compulsion sexual abuse have a history of childhood physical or sexual abuse.

Neurobiological bases

As indicated by undergraduate research from the Autonomous University of Bucaramanga, there are similarities between behavioral addictions, as nymphomania is considered, and substance addictions. There they point out that the reward and pleasure system is activated by reinforcing stimuli such as sexual behavior or drug consumption, releasing dopamine in brain areas.

Treatment of nymphomania

To address hypersexual behavior, two main approaches are used: psychotherapy and medication, with the aim of helping the person control their impulses and maintain healthy and satisfying sexual relationships.

The combination of both usually leads to a greater symptomatological improvement than if they are prescribed individually.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and psychodynamic therapy are the most common options for treating nymphomania. These approaches work on intrusive thoughts, encourage adaptive behaviors and resolve unconscious conflicts.

As we have described before, people who maintain hypersexual behavior usually also suffer from other disorders. Thus, it is better to design the intervention transcending the limits of the problem, considering the person and their overall state.

Medication

Although studies focused on pharmacological treatment for compulsive sexual behavior are limited, in any case psychiatric support is essential. The psychotropic drugs prescribed vary depending on the associated disorders.

The most common to treat hypersexuality, directly or indirectly, are antidepressants to treat depression, anxiety or obsessions, and naltrexone for substance dependence and mood stabilizers, which also regulate impulse control.

Microsurgery

In recent years, the practice of neurolysis of the dorsal branch of the pudendal nerve has been investigated in cases of genital arousal disorders.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University detailed in a 2019 study that seven out of eight women who underwent this microsurgery showed excellent results. That is, the symptoms of excitement were eliminated to resume sexual relations normally.

What to do if you suffer from a hypersexual disorder?

If you identify with some of the behaviors described, it is possible that for a time you have minimized their consequences; this happens to many women. However, it is important that you know that this type of behavior can harm you in the medium and long term, so it is better to deal with it in the present moment.

We know that exposing certain attitudes or behaviors is not easy, but consulting with a professional is the first step to solving the problem. A clinical psychologist or specialist in sexual behavior will be able to guide you appropriately.

As we have explained to you throughout the article, nymphomania has treatmentTherefore, discomfort can be reduced very significantly with the help of health professionals. It’s a matter of finding the one that best suits your personal characteristics.

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