The Concept of Recovery in Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder - A Scoping Review

Recovery is a central concept in the fields of mental health and addiction, yet its definition remains a subject of debate. Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD), classified in the ICD-11 as an impulse control disorder, is a relatively prevalent mental health concern. This scoping review mapped and summarized the state of art of the concept of recovery in CSBD, including study characteristics, terminology and measures used, main recovery approach (deficit-based versus strengths-based, or mixed), and the key aims of these studies. Embase, Medline, PsycInfo, and the Web of Science were searched and reviewed using PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Empirical and case studies published in English peer-reviewed journals related to recovery or any bio-psychosocial change were included. Sixty-five articles were included. Most studies were conducted in Western countries among white, heterosexual men. Most studies did not use the term recovery, and only one defined it implicitly. Alternative terms included symptom reduction and positive improvement. More than 50% of the studies were classified under mixed recovery approach. The studies' main aim was treatment evaluation, whereas theoretical and conceptual approaches were scarce. The absence of a clear definition of recovery, combined with the evolving understanding of CSBD, has led to varied and inconsistent terminology. While some studies adopt a mixed recovery approach, most focus narrowly on heterosexual white men and individual treatment, often excluding socio-cultural elements and contexts. Future research should clarify the concept of recovery, incorporate broader social and environmental dimensions, and include more diverse populations.