Hypersexuality: A Critical Review and Introduction to the "Sexhavior Cycle"

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Compulsive sexual behavior is under consideration for ICD-11 as an impulse control disorder.
• Hypersexuality is often defined as an inability to regulate sexual behavior causing distress.
• Existing theoretical models for hypersexuality lack consensus, complicating assessment and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To empirically review hypersexuality and its conceptualizations.
• To critically examine various theoretical models and diagnostic criteria.
• To propose a novel model for understanding the neuropsychology of hypersexuality.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of theoretical models (sexual compulsivity, impulsivity, dual control, sex addiction).
• Analysis of diagnostic criteria for hypersexuality as a sexual disorder.
• Development of the "sexhavior cycle of hypersexuality" model.

Main Results:

• Disagreement on conceptualizations challenges assessment and treatment.
• Concerns exist regarding whether hypersexuality is a distinct disorder or extreme normophilic behavior.
• The proposed "sexhavior cycle" suggests cognitive abeyance and sexual incongruence contribute to distress.

Conclusions:

• Hypersexuality remains complex, with ongoing debate about its classification as a disorder.
• The "sexhavior cycle" offers a potential framework for understanding its neuropsychology.
• Further research is needed to validate hypersexuality as a distinct behavioral disorder, though some presentations require treatment.