Sexual Addiction/Hypersexuality and the DSM: Update and Practice Guidance for Social Workers

Abstract

As the terminology for sexual addiction/hypersexuality has evolved since the 1980s, social workers can benefit from an update and practice guidance. Although professional controversy continues about the symptoms, psychological mechanisms, and existence of the problem, the debate has come to a head with the official proposal of Hypersexual Disorder submitted for the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [DSM–V]. This article synthesizes information most relevant to social work practitioners, including efforts to name and conceptually describe the problem and its psychological mechanisms, clinical presentation, and practice guidance for social workers in various roles, including referral, assessment, and treatment.

Keywords:

• DSM–V
• hypersexual disorder
• normative sexual interests
• sexual addiction
• social workers
• treatment

Acknowledgments

The author would like to acknowledge the support through a professional development fellowship provided by the UNO College of Public Affairs and Community Service.