This article discusses the meaning of nymphomania. It also covers characteristics, causes, and treatment for nymphomania, or hypersexuality.
Nymphomania Meaning
Nymphomania is a term dating back to the 19th century. Then, society considered assigned females with insatiable sexual desires to be delinquent, and physicians viewed nymphomania as a medical condition.
Over time, research on sexual behavior has led to changes in the language used to describe hypersexual behavior to terms like hypersexuality disorder, compulsive sexual behavior, and sex addiction.
Still, hypersexuality disorder, or compulsive sexual behavior, is not recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Identifying, treating, and researching hypersexual behavior can be challenging without a formalized list of symptoms and criteria.
Characteristics
Generally, compulsive sexual behavior is characterized by excessive sexual fantasies, urges, and behaviors, as well as the impulse to act on them with consenting individuals.
Characteristics include:
Intrusive and repetitive thoughts or desires Difficulty reducing or stopping behaviors Engaging in fantasies, urges, or behaviors as a means of escaping or coping with challenging emotions or stressful situations Multiple sexual partners Anxiety Depression Guilt and shame Continued engagement in behaviors without regard for harm to self or others Preoccupation with or spending excessive amounts of time thinking about or having sexual encounters
These characteristics are often disruptive and can significantly affect a person’s overall quality of life.
Other complications can include the risk of sexually transmitted infections and diminished social support. In some cases, a person may experience suicidal thoughts.
Nymphomania Causes
There is no clear cause for nymphomania or compulsive sexual behavior. Every individual case is unique. However, research has shed some light on factors that may contribute to hypersexual behavior, including:
Stressful life events Trauma, including sexual abuse Imbalance in brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters Environmental triggers Neurological conditions and medications used to treat them, such as Parkinson’s disease
Some research implicates traits such as poor judgment, impulsivity, and preoccupation with or engagement in excessive sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors.
Additionally, hypersexual behavior may occur alongside symptoms of mental health conditions. For instance, an individual may become hypersexual and have risky sexual encounters during a manic episode of bipolar disorder.
Identifying Nymphomania
Healthcare providers can get a sense of an individual’s concerns by discussing their past and present experiences with:
Sexual urgesFantasiesSexual behaviorsThe impact and consequences of those behaviors
They will also review a person’s medical history to rule out other conditions that may contribute to sexual behavior, as well as psychological, and family history.
Healthcare providers can also use instruments such as the Hypersexual Disorder Screening Inventory to assess hypersexual behavior.
Treatment
Treatment for hypersexual behavior can involve a variety of methods.
Psychoeducation can be beneficial for teaching individuals about hypersexuality and reducing the shame and stigma around it. When individuals can have open conversations in a safe and non-judgmental setting, they can explore healthy and unhealthy behaviors with a mental health professional. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method that may be used to treat compulsive sexual behavior. Therapists work with individuals to identify triggers, thinking patterns related to themselves and their behavior, coping skills, and lifestyle changes to support healthy behaviors. A healthcare provider may prescribe medication to treat mental health symptoms or conditions related to compulsive sexual behavior. For instance, a psychiatrist may prescribe anti-anxiety medication or antidepressants to treat anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment with a healthcare provider can help identify symptoms that may require treatment and determine the best medication regimen, if needed.
Coping
Using strategies to enhance well-being are essential to day-to-day life and recovery. Ways to cope with hypersexual behavior through self-care can include:
Establishing and maintaining a self-care routine that supports daily functioning Getting regular sleep Eating well-balanced meals Connecting with a support network Being open and honest about thoughts, emotions, and behaviors Seeking professional help Being consistent with treatment Being aware of triggers Attending support groups
Summary
Nymphomania is a term that was previously used to describe hypersexual behavior in assigned females. It is now known as hypersexuality disorder, compulsive sexual behavior, or sex addiction. These conditions can affect anyone.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial 988 to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
Hypersexual behavior can be treated with therapy, personal coping strategies, and, in some cases, medication.
A Word From Verywell
Feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety, and depression may arise due to hypersexual urges and behavior. Ultimately, no one dealing with compulsive sexual behavior is alone. Being honest about your experiences and seeking professional support can help you cope with your desires and behavior.
