Bipolar Disorder and Your Sex Life
In addition to these more general symptoms, however, bipolar disorder can also affect your sex life, leading to a drastically increased libido during periods of mania. Some who experience this heightened sexuality may receive a diagnosis of hypersexuality or sexual addiction, a diagnosis that still carries a lot of controversy within the fields of both psychology and sexuality. There are those who hesitate to pathologize sexuality in this way. After all, it’s difficult to measure how much of a sex drive is too much.
Understanding Hypersexuality
Hypersexuality is defined as an increased need or pressure for sexual gratification. It can often be a symptom of mania, and may also include decreased inhibitions or a need for “forbidden” sex. Understandably, if you’re experiencing a manic episode and you succumb to your urges, you’re putting your relationships at risk, as well as yourself. Unrestrained hypersexuality can place you at an increased risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Understanding Sexual Addiction
Sexual addiction, also known as compulsive sexual behavior, is thinking about and engaging in sexual behavior so often that it interferes with your relationships, your health, your job, or other aspects of your life. It can damage many aspects of your life if it’s left untreated. Sexual addiction can be just as destructive as being addicted to chemical substances. An estimated 3 to 6 percent of adults in the United States, predominantly male, are sexually addicted. Although sexual addiction is not listed as a disorder in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it can be diagnosed as an impulse-control disorder in the current International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), which is the international standard for diagnosis.
Consequences
These compulsive sexual behaviors can carry a high price. Financially, they can lead to outrageous charges from prostitutes or phone sex lines. Professionally, your behavior may cause you to lose your job. Personally, your relationships, intimate and otherwise, could be damaged. Health-wise, if you’re indiscriminate, sexual contacts could lead to disease.
Anonymous sex with multiple partners (including one night stands) Compulsive masturbation Compulsive sex with sex workers Frequent patronizing of sexually-oriented establishments Habitual exhibitionism Habitual voyeurism Inappropriate sexual touching Multiple affairs outside a committed relationship Rape Sexual abuse of children
It’s important to note here that any one of these behaviors in and of itself does not constitute an addiction. If you’re concerned about your own behavior, talk to your doctor, or to another sexuality professional. You may require additional sexual counseling/therapy in addition to the treatment you’re already receiving for bipolar disorder.
