What's in a Name? Terminology for Designating a Syndrome of Driven Sexual Behavior

Abstract

Most clinicians and researchers would agree that a condition exists in which a person's driven sexual behavior causes either subjective distress or functional impairment. However, questions remain about how this condition should be designated. This article considers the designations that are most often employed--sexual compulsivity, sexual impulsivity, and sexual addiction--and concludes that sexual addiction is the most suitable. Arguments against the concept of sexual addiction are then reviewed and addressed. Finally, the implications of the proposed terminology for treatment are explored.