Compulsive sexual behavior disorder describes a persistent difficulty controlling intense, repetitive sexual urges and behavior when the pattern causes significant distress or disrupts health, relationships, work, education or other important areas of life. The term “sex addiction” is widely used, but it is not the preferred diagnostic name.
What the diagnosis means
The World Health Organization includes compulsive sexual behavior disorder in ICD 11 as an impulse control disorder. It is not classified there as an addiction. A clinician looks for a continuing pattern of failed control, repeated behavior despite harmful consequences, and marked impairment over an extended period.
A strong sexual interest, frequent consensual sexual activity or masturbation does not by itself indicate a disorder. Distress based only on moral judgement, shame or disapproval is also not enough for the diagnosis. Sexual orientation, gender identity and consensual sexual preferences are not illnesses.
Possible signs
- Sexual urges or activities repeatedly become the main focus of daily life
- Important responsibilities, health, relationships or interests are neglected
- Repeated attempts to reduce or control the behavior do not last
- The behavior continues despite relationship, financial, legal, health or emotional consequences
- The person continues even when there is little satisfaction
- Sexual behavior is repeatedly used to manage loneliness, stress, anxiety or low mood
People may experience guilt, secrecy or hopelessness, but help should be respectful and free from judgement.
Assessment
A qualified mental health or psychosexual professional assesses the pattern, its effect on functioning, consent and safety, and any related mental or physical health concerns. Other possible explanations must be considered, including a manic episode, medicine effects, substance use, obsessive symptoms, trauma, anxiety or depression.
An accurate assessment matters because treatment should address the actual cause rather than applying a label based on how often someone thinks about or engages in sex.
Treatment and practical support
Psychological treatment can help a person understand triggers, strengthen control over behavior, manage difficult emotions and build healthier routines and relationships. Approaches may include cognitive behavioral strategies, acceptance based work, relapse prevention and individual or couples therapy. Coexisting depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder or substance use should be treated appropriately.
A clinician may sometimes consider medicine for a coexisting condition or specific symptoms, but there is no single medicine suitable for everyone with compulsive sexual behavior. Treatment decisions should follow a full assessment and shared discussion of benefits and risks.
Practical steps can include limiting access to triggering material, changing routines that increase risk, using website or device controls, avoiding alcohol or drugs that reduce judgement, and identifying a trusted person or professional to contact before acting on an urge.
Consent and safety
All sexual activity must involve freely given consent. A mental health condition does not excuse coercion, exploitation, harassment or illegal behavior. If you believe you may act without another person’s consent, involve a child, or otherwise cause harm, remove yourself from the situation and seek urgent professional help before acting.
Call local emergency services if there is an immediate danger to you or another person. Seek urgent mental health support for suicidal thoughts, plans to self harm or a loss of control that creates immediate risk.
When to seek help
Arrange professional help if sexual behavior feels difficult to control, continues despite harm, causes marked distress, or affects relationships, finances, work or health. A primary care clinician, mental health professional, sexual health clinic or specialist psychosexual service can be a starting point. Partners may also benefit from independent support.
Related information
Find further support in our Mental Health section. Related guidance includes depression and addiction.
Sources
- World Health Organization: ICD 11
- WHO: Clinical descriptions and diagnostic requirements for ICD 11
- World Psychiatry: Compulsive sexual behavior disorder in ICD 11
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust: Psychosexual service
Using this information
This information supports general understanding and preparation for a conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. It does not replace an individual mental health or psychosexual assessment, diagnosis or treatment.
Reviewed: 28 August 2026