Compulsive sexual behavior: A review of the literature
Open accessAbstract
Background and aims: Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) is a common disorder featuring repetitive, intrusive and distressing sexual thoughts, urges and behaviors that negatively affect many aspects of an individual’s life. This article reviews the clinical characteristics of CSB, cognitive aspects of the behaviors, and treatment options. Methods: We reviewed the literature regarding the clinical aspects of CSB and treatment approaches. Results: The literature review of the clinical aspects of CSB demonstrates that there is likely a substantial heterogeneity within the disorder. In addition, the treatment literature lacks sufficient evidence-based approaches to develop a clear treatment algorithm. Conclusions: Although discussed in the psychological literature for years, CSB continues to defy easy categorization within mental health. Further research needs to be completed to understand where CSB falls within the psychiatric nosology.
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CSB typically involves a wide range of problematic sexual behaviours with significant diversity characterising the condition.
“These findings agree with those of Derbyshire and Grant (2015), Böthe et al. (2019) and Sassover and Weinstein (2020), confirming that CSB typically involves a wide range of problematic sexual behaviours with significant diversity characterising the condition.”
From The Lived Experiences and Well-Being of Female Partners Following Discovery or Disclosure of Their Male Partner’s Compulsive Sexual Behaviours: An Australian Phenomenological Study (2025) · cites this paper as Derbyshire and Grant (2015)
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References 82 · Cited by 219
Research works printed but not linked: 1
- De Bienville D. T. (1775). Nymphomania, or a Dissertation concerning the furor uterinus. Translated by Sloane Wilmot Edward London, England: J. Bew.
- Authors
- Derbyshire, K. L., & Grant, J. E.
- Affiliations
- University of Chicago (US)
- Corresponding author
- Derbyshire, Katherine L.
- ORCID
- Grant, Jon E.
- Venue
- Journal of Behavioral Addictions
- Publisher
- Akademiai Kiado Zrt.
- Published
- 2015-06
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 37-43
- ISSN
- 2062-5871 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC4500883
- OpenAlex
- W1784808948
- Semantic Scholar
- 73aa939b1e62f5baee70ff9c47dd975564e93c3d
- Cited by
- 219
- References
- 82
- Citations by year
- 2026: 14 · 2025: 19 · 2024: 18 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 23 · 2021: 19 · 2020: 62 · 2019: 17 · 2018: 15 · 2017: 7 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 6
- FWCI
- 1.67
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Journal of Behavioral Addictions (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Repository of the Academy's Library (Library of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences) (acceptedVersion)
- Funders
- National Center for Responsible Gaming
- University of Chicago
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Gambling Behavior and Treatments
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders
- Keywords
- compulsive sexual behavior, sexual addiction, sexual urges, clinical features, cognitive aspects, treatment options, psychiatric classification
- MeSH terms
- Compulsive Behavior, Female, Humans, Male, Sexual Behavior
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