The Psychobiology of Sexual Addiction

Abstract

Sexual addictions may be systematically studied using operationalized diagnostic criteria in a variety of studies employing conventional research methodologies such as is being done in the investigations of a variety of Axis I disorders. Although descriptive investigations into the sexual addictions were on par with that of other major mental disorders in the last century, further investigations did not keep pace with that of other mental disorders. Programmatic research into the sexual addictions is poised to be guided by understanding both neurobiological mechanisms involved in sexual behaviors and multicausal, biopsychosocial approaches. A comprehensive understanding of sexual addiction would involve addressing issues in the areas of nosology, epidemiology, family studies, diagnostic criteria, genetics, neurobiology, comorbidity, and empirically based treatments. The authors suggest current research questions and priorities that, when addressed, can contribute to significant advances in the understanding and treatment of sexual additions.