Sex and Porn Addiction

Assist. Prof. Dr. Utkan Boran Aşık
Department Of Psychiatry, Lokman Hekim University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye

ABSTRACT

Sex and pornography addictions are increasingly recognized as complex disorders with significant impli- cations for psychiatric practice. These conditions are characterized by persistent and recurrent patterns of compulsive sexual behavior that lead to distress or impairment in various areas of life. Psychiatrists need to delve into the neurobiological underpinnings of sex and pornography addictions. Additionally, the psycholog- ical and social factors that contribute to the onset and maintenance of these addictions should be explored, including the role of trauma, attachment issues, and societal norms around sexuality. A critical aspect of the discussion is the role of problematic sexual behavior (PSB), which includes hypersexual disorder, paraphilic disorders, and “chemsex” a phenomenon where substance use is linked to compulsive sexual activity. The cur- rent diagnostic frameworks, debating the dimensional versus categorical perspectives of hypersexuality and the challenges in distinguishing between normative sexual variations and pathological behavior need to be reviewed. Contemporary treatment modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), pharmacothera- py, and 12-step programs are the frontrunners. Special attention should be given to the impact of pornography addiction on sexual functioning, intimate relationships, and overall mental health, emphasizing the need for a biopsychosocial approach in both diagnosis and treatment. As the consumption of online pornography con- tinues to escalate -exacerbated by the isolation and stress of the COVID-19 pandemic- the urgency of address- ing these addictions within clinical practice need to be underscored. Synthesizing the latest research findings, providing practical recommendations for healthcare providers, advocating for a personalized, evidence-based approach to managing these challenging disorders are of importance.

Keywords: Addiction medicine; Behavior, addictive; Compulsive behavior; Sexual behavior; Sexuality; Erotica

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