Sexual Addiction, Sexual Compulsivity, Sexual Impulsivity, Or What? Toward a Theoretical Model‪.‬

Increasing attention is being paid to the concept of sexual behavior that is, in some way, out of control. Much of the recent literature has employed two currently fashionable concepts: compulsive sexual behavior and sexual addiction. At this time, both concepts are of uncertain scientific value. Barth and Kinder (1987) argued for the use of impulse control disorder as a description, which in contrast with the compulsivity and addiction labels is consistent with DSM criteria but which has little explanatory value beyond inferring a problem of self-control. In the past, other labels such as nymphomania, satyriasis, and hyper-sexuality have been used (Rinehart & McCabe, 1997) A crucial issue that has received little attention is the extent to which out of control sexual behavior can be understood as a behavioral pattern at the extreme of the normal range, or rather a behavioral pattern that is qualitatively different from the norm in ways that are problematic (see Orford, 1978, for earlier discussion of this issue).