Nonparaphilic Hypersexual Behavior and Depressive Symptoms: A Meta-Analytic Review of the Literature

Abstract

Research on nonparaphilic hypersexual behavior and its associated characteristics has increased in recent years. In the present article, the authors review the literature on the relation between nonparaphilic hypersexual behavior and depressive symptoms. There was a moderate, positive relation between nonparaphilic hypersexual behavior and depressive symptoms (r =.34). This relation was similar across gender, sexual orientation, and age. The authors discuss the implications for researchers and clinicians working with hypersexual individuals. Future research should work to elucidate the causal direction of the relation between nonparaphilic hypersexual behavior and depressive symptoms. The authors encourage clinicians who work with hypersexual patients to assess them for depressive symptoms and consider treatment options that address concurrent depressive symptoms.