Only mental health professionals who are certified in sex
addiction therapy (CSAT) have the knowledge and experience to
diagnose sex addiction. However, there are "red flags" that can
indicate the presence of sexual addiction. The following is a
list of common attributes of a sex addict. Please note that
behaviors are not limited to the list below. Individuals who
recognize any of these patterns in their own life or the life of
someone close to them should seek professional help:
-
Obsession over sex to the
point where it intrudes your daily routine or hinders your
ability to maintain your job and relationships
-
Practicing unprotected
anonymous sex on an ongoing basis
-
Going into and remaining in
debt for the purpose of obtaining sex with prostitutes. This
may also include subscriptions to pornographic Web portals
or "sex chats"
-
Looking for sex in public
places, including public bathrooms
-
"Cruising" down the streets
but calling it "people watching"
-
Having sex in dangerous places
-
Excessive and compulsive
masturbation (3-25 times per day or week)
-
A dependence on sexually
explicit material in order to become aroused and/or to reach
orgasm
-
Persistent pursuit of
self-destructive behavior. A common rationalization
is, "I'll deal with the consequences when I experience them."
-
Ongoing endeavor to set
barriers to sexual behavior such as moving to a new
neighborhood, getting married or even starving themselves
sexually, a condition Dr. Carnes calls "sexual anorexia"
which only fuels the addiction
-
The addict experiences intense
mood shifts due to shame and despair
-
Tremendous energy is spent on
obtaining sex, being sexual and then recovering from the
consequences
-
Neglect of important social,
occupational or recreational activities
-
Having numerous XXX videos and
magazines at home
-
Exhibitionist activities,
including exposing oneself in a car
-
Constant preoccupation with
sexual fantasies which interferes with daily routine
The following online psychological
tests are for educational use only and do not replace in any way
a formal psychiatric evaluation. The assessment of a
certified sex addiction therapist or a mental health
professional is recommended in order to get a diagnosis.
