Differentiating the Female Sex Addict: A Literature Review Focused on Themes of Gender Difference Used to Inform Recommendations for Treating Women With Sex Addiction

Abstract

This literature review focuses on gender differences to delineate the etiology, presentation, and treatment needs of women with sex addiction. Empirical and clinical data show that women experience more childhood traumas and damage from attachment ruptures. Shame is the core affect of sex addiction and is compounded for women by negative cultural messages. Women's sexually addictive behaviors are more relationally motivated. With these gender differences of etiology and presentation as a foundation, recommendations specific to the treatment of women with sexual addiction are provided and placed within a multimodal therapeutic milieu.