Impulsive-Compulsive Sexual Behavior

The term impulsive-compulsive sexual behavior refers to sexual thoughts, urges, and behaviors that are normative, but occur with such frequency or intensity that they are distressing or interfere with functioning. The most common impulsive-compulsive sexual behaviors are promiscuity, masturbation, pornography dependence, phone sex, and use of the Internet for sexual purposes. Impulsive-compulsive sexual behavior is estimated to affect 5-6% of the general population and to be approximately 3 times more common in males than females. It is conceptualized as either an impulse control disorder or as a behavioral addiction. The pathophysiology, comorbidities, diagnosis, and treatments, both pharmacological and psychological, are discussed.