Is sex addiction a real disorder?
Folks are still gabbing about Tiger Woods' public apology for his infidelity, not to mention his admission of spending 45-days in a treatment facility. And everyone's entered the fray: were his philandering ways evidence of a sex addiction? Does such a thing even exist?
Technically, no. But possibly, yes. Confused? Well, even the psychologists can't agree on the topic.
"Sex addiction" is not listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. But "hypersexuality disorder" is being considered for the next addition, explains this Reuters piece.
"There's been a lot of hype about it and I think it's unproven at present," Peter Nathan, a professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Iowa told the Sacramento Bee. "It's bad behavior, it's troublesome behavior, it gets people in a lot of trouble, but I can't say it forms to usual addictions."
But the story quotes another psychologist who insists the condition is not only real, it's becoming more of a problem in our hyper-sexual society.
The idea that one can be addicted to sex is laughable to some (I'll admit, I chuckled). Meanwhile others insist the condition can be disastrous and needs better study to understand its roots.
Therapies are scarce, but the NYT reports that it's often treated with antidepressants, traditional talk therapy and the 12-step program used in Alcoholics Anonymous. Sex-addiction counselors familiar with one program told the Times that Wood's daily schedule at his treatment center likely began with morning meditation and exercise "including obstacle courses to build trust with other patients and eye movement exercises to 'get through his defenses'.”
So what do you think? Sex addiction: real or excuse?
AP photo
Comments
Life itself is a disorder.
How that manifests itself varies.
Some of those (manifestations) are more destructive than others.
Get over your bad self.
Posted by: MrRational | February 25, 2010 11:34 AM
It is bad behavior and lack of character, pure and simple.
Posted by: Charlie Ricci | February 25, 2010 12:54 PM
Can you prove the addiction scientifically through a microscope, blood test or X-ray? No? Then it's not addiction.
Let's not blame our shortcomings on genes or chemical imbalances in the brain. It denies us the responsibility we need to come to terms with our personal fallibility.
Posted by: Hank | February 25, 2010 2:26 PM
I believe it's real. When sex consumes your life to the point it prevents you from keeping a job, home and normal relationships - you have a problem.
Posted by: Carolyn | February 25, 2010 10:02 PM
Umm, I think the disorder is that Tiger isn't holding himself accountable for cheating on his wife, so he hides behind the word "disorder" to make himself a victim. Maybe she wasn't fulfilling his needs as his wife, but whatever.
But a serious question: for a normal, sexually healthy couple, is "sex addiction" ever considered a disorder?
Posted by: Ron | February 25, 2010 10:25 PM
Every time one of the pampered upper class of our society gets caught doing something that the average person has done and is considered wrong they have to go to rehab for their addiction. The sad part is that the general public is buying this BS and excusing these a--holes for their disgusting bad behavior. When are people going to wake up and tell these spoiled actors and athletes and the like to get lost ? It make s me sick!!!!
Former Wood's Fan
Posted by: MikeB | February 26, 2010 7:17 AM
"Sexual addiction" is a myth. Philandering is a moral problem, not a medical problem. It is about ego and selfishness. Therapy, and the whole public apology thing, just keep the focus on the cheater. It just reinforces his "it's all about me" mindset.
Let such men wear the Scarlet Letter.
Posted by: Dana LaRocca | February 26, 2010 7:40 AM
I think his confession on television took alot of courage on his part. But to blame it on addiction I feel is a cop out. If your a cheater pray that your significant other gets over it, but to do it more than 10 times classifies you as an low down sick pathetic shame!
Posted by: MsIdontthinkso | February 26, 2010 9:59 AM
What's next? breathing air is an addiction?
Posted by: Roger | March 11, 2010 10:21 AM