The history of sex addiction is a long and complex one, dating back to the earliest times of mankind. Sexual obsessions and behaviors were considered normal and even curative in many cultures, while in other cultures sexual behavior was strictly regulated and taboo.
Sex addiction, also known as hypersexuality or sexuality addiction, is a controversial topic in modern psychology and psychiatry. Although the existence of sex addiction is recognized as an official diagnosis in the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5 guidelines, the term remains controversial and is questioned by some experts. This text provides an introduction to the topic of sex addiction by highlighting various aspects such as definition, symptoms, causes and treatment options. Sex addiction can be defined as an obsessive and compulsive preoccupation with sexual thoughts, fantasies and actions. Individuals with sex addiction often have an excessive desire for sexual acts and may experience an intense craving for sexual gratification.