The pattern of failure to control intense, sexual impulses or urges and resulting repetitive sexual behavior is manifested over an extended period of time (e.g., 6 months or more), and causes marked distress or significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Distress that is entirely related to moral judgments and disapproval about sexual impulses, urges, or behaviors is not sufficient to meet this requirement.

Although this official diagnosis will not be recognized until 2022, Certified Sexual Addiction Therapists (CSATs) have been using the following signs and symptoms to identify, assess, and treat those clients affected by compulsive and addictive sexual behaviors – obsessive sexual fantasy and preoccupation, loss of control, negative consequences, tolerance and escalation, withdrawal and denial.

Sexual Addiction is a broad term that can include (which means this is not an exhaustive list) behaviors such as, pornography use, webcam use, compulsive masturbation, “cruising” for sexual partners either through the use of technology or in person, anonymous sex, casual short-term affairs, visiting strip clubs, adult bookstores or theatres, paying for sex, unsafe or risky sexual behaviors, and/or continuation of behaviors without consideration of consequences or despite having consequences.

Interesting FACT: Sex Addiction is NOT about sex. The behaviors are used as a way to numb or escape intense, painful emotions.