Sex addiction, also known as hypersexuality or compulsive sexual behaviour, is a disorder characterised by recurrent and intense sexual thoughts, urges or behaviours that become uncontrollable and negatively affect the individual’s personal, social and working life.

Symptoms include:

• Obsessive sexual thoughts.
• Repetitive and compulsive sexual behaviours.
• Excessive use of pornography.
• Engaging in high-risk sexual activities.
• Feelings of guilt, shame or regret after sexual acts.
• Failed attempts to reduce or control sexual urges.

Risk factors include:

• Emotional trauma or childhood sexual abuse.
• Mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression.
• Chemical imbalances in the brain.
• Excessive use of the internet and pornography.
• Cultural or social factors that normalise sexual behaviour.

The key difference lies in control and the impact on daily life. A person with sex addiction loses control over their urges, and their relationships, work or wellbeing are negatively affected.

Yes, excessive pornography consumption can be a risk factor, especially if it interferes with personal relationships, intimacy and daily functioning.

Yes. Many patients have multiple addictions, and at our centre we apply an integrative approach that makes it possible to treat sex addiction and other problematic behaviours or substances simultaneously.

Some useful tools include:

• Mindfulness and self-control techniques.
• Establishing healthy routines and avoiding high-risk situations.
• Participation in specialised support groups.
• Individual or couples therapy to address emotional triggers.

There are age-appropriate educational and therapeutic programmes that teach how to manage urges, emotions and relationships in a healthy way, preventing the development of addiction.

Recovery varies, but it often requires months or even years of therapy, family follow-up and participation in support groups to consolidate changes and prevent relapse.