Photo of Joseph Michael Jeral, Psychiatrist in District of Columbia
Joseph Michael Jeral
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20037
I use talk therapy and, when necessary, medications, to help people get to a place in which they can listen to their own voice, and use their own strengths, to cope with life's challenges, to establish a meaningful vision for their life, and to carry it out. I help people with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and career difficulties.
I use talk therapy and, when necessary, medications, to help people get to a place in which they can listen to their own voice, and use their own strengths, to cope with life's challenges, to establish a meaningful vision for their life, and to carry it out. I help people with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and career difficulties.
(202) 601-3747 View (202) 601-3747
Photo of Alexandru Serghi, Psychiatrist in District of Columbia
Alexandru Serghi
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
Dr Serghi’s approach to the medical act is built around the central concept of biological, psychological and social determinants to human illness. The core principle of his practice is based on the application of the scientific method to the most current medical evidence for both the diagnosis and the treatment of brain disorders. In addition to expertise in neuropsychiatric diagnoses, Dr Serghi offers both brief psychotherapeutic interventions as well as long term psychodynamic psychotherapy, in combination with medication treatment only if indicated, within the absolute privacy and comfort of the patient-doctor therapeutic space.
Dr Serghi’s approach to the medical act is built around the central concept of biological, psychological and social determinants to human illness. The core principle of his practice is based on the application of the scientific method to the most current medical evidence for both the diagnosis and the treatment of brain disorders. In addition to expertise in neuropsychiatric diagnoses, Dr Serghi offers both brief psychotherapeutic interventions as well as long term psychodynamic psychotherapy, in combination with medication treatment only if indicated, within the absolute privacy and comfort of the patient-doctor therapeutic space.
(571) 620-6743 View (571) 620-6743

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Sexual Addiction Psychiatrists

When should someone seek treatment for sex addiction?

People should seek treatment for sex addiction if they cannot control their sexual thoughts or behaviours to the point that it disrupts their ability to function in daily life, for example by threatening their finances, career, or relationships. This may include spending an excessive amount of time obsessing over sex, planning sex, watching pornography, or masturbating, as well as consistently engaging in risky sexual activities, using sex to escape distressing feelings, or attempting yet failing to control sexual behavior.

What are the most common treatment options for sex addiction?

Psychotherapy is the most common treatment for sex addiction; therapy helps patients better understand their compulsive thoughts and behaviors and develop strategies to manage their desires. Therapy may be supplemented by medications, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-androgens, and the alcohol and substance use medication Naltrexone, as well as support groups, such as 12-step programs.

How long does therapy take for sex addiction?

Recovering from compulsive behavior takes time and effort. There’s no precise timeline for treatment, but research suggests 12 therapy sessions may be enough to see change. Treatment for sexual compulsions requires honesty in therapy, a commitment to understanding triggers and developing coping skills, and potential lifestyle changes such as cutting out alcohol or drugs.

What if sex addiction is left untreated?

Compulsive sexual behavior can have serious repercussions if left unaddressed. For example, if sexual obsessions consume the vast majority of a person’s time, they may lose their job. If they can’t stop paying for sex, their finances may suffer. If they’re dishonest in their relationships, their partner may leave them. If they consistently feel shame, they may struggle with anxiety, depression, or loneliness. Therapy can help people develop the tools to manage sexual thoughts and behaviors that feel uncontrollable.