Rape convinct, Gurmeet Ram Rahim recently complained of ‘uneasiness and restlessness’ at Rohtak jail. The doctors who examined him claimed that his symptoms are a ‘physical manifestation of withdrawal symptoms of sex addiction’.

Addicted to sex?

While many experts believe that it is a serious health issue and not just an excuse to cover up infidelities, many medical practitioners also argue against it.

Previously, celebrities like David Duchovny, Michael Douglas, Tiger Woods have spoken about their failed attempts in dealing with sex addiction.

We try to decode the debate around sex addiction, what goes inside the mind of a sex addict and how can it be treated.

Is Sex Addiction Real?

It’s complicated!

Those who believe sex addiction is not real point out that it is not included in the fifth (and latest) edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a sort of bible for mental health experts.

Experts we spoke with say the problem is a little different here in India.

Dr Sandeep Vohra, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi feels that Indians first need to talk openly about sex. Issues like sex addiction can only be acknowledged, discussed, diagnosed and treated if the taboo around sex is eliminated.

Speaking to The Quint, he said:

So, what really happens when one gets addicted to sex?

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What Is Sex Addiction?

The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a “primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations.”

And for someone addicted to sex, it’s no different.

Speaking to The Quint, Dr Shailesh Jha, Associate Consultant Psychiatry, Apollo Hospitals, Sarita Vihar says:

Earlier, sex addiction was also known as nymphomania for females and satyriasis for men.

Also Read: Ram Rahim Is a Sex Addict, Say Doctors Who Examined Him in Jail

Signs & Symptoms

Dr Jha says sex addicts compulsively indulge in:

• Frequent masturbation
• Risky sexual behaviour (including having multiple sexual partners)
• Persistent use of pornography
• Cyber sex
• Exhibitionism, voyeurism

A sex addict will find it difficult to function in social situations, and will have a sense of detachment, guilt and shame.

Causes

But why do some people become sex addicts? That’s where diagnosis becomes difficult.

Several studies claim that people coming from dysfunctional families or those who have been sexually abused themselves might turn into sex addicts later in life.

So, is there a treatment available?

Treatment

Treatment for sex addiction varies from case to case, depending on the severity of the issue.

There are groups like Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) that hold regular meetings to help addicts share their experience and help them recover from their addiction.

Most doctors prefer psychological interventions like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) while dealing with sex addicts.

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Detailed conversations and continuous counselling sessions are extremely helpful in such cases.

Sex addicts are also scanned for sexual transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV, physical injuries and secondary psychiatric conditions before the treatment. In certain cases, medication might also be prescribed.

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