Repairing Relationships

Building Intimacy and Joy into Your Relationships

by Dr. J.R. Bruns and R.A. Richards II

Is there such a thing as "sex addiction"?

Is there such a thing as sex addiction?

Published on October 15, 2010 by J. R. Bruns, M.D. in Repairing Relationships

Sex addiction is not a medical or psychiatric diagnosis. Sexual and Gender Identity Disorder or Impulse Control Disorder Not Elsewhere Classfied are the best fit for "sex addiction". We believe impulse control disorders (which also includes compulsive behavior) best describes sex addiction. First one needs to rule out other medical or psychiatric illnesses for which compulsive sexual behavior may be an underlying symptom.

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The term "sex addiction" comes from the Twelve Step tradition describing any type of compulsive behavior which eventually disrupts the personal and professional life. In Tiger Woods case, his womanizing with at least 14 different partners led to the end of his marriage to Elin Nordegren, the loss of an estimated $750 million dollars in the divorce settlement, the loss of millions more in endorsement deals and his absence from his job as a professional golfer for almost five months.