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Recognizing Problematic Sexual Behaviors

Without an APA classification and list of symptoms necessary for a diagnosis, sexual addiction remains difficult to identify; but in general, the more problematic or compulsive the sexual behaviors or thoughts, the more likely the diagnosis.

Here is a list of "warning" behaviors; behaviors commonly associated with sexual addiction. Identifying with many of the following behaviors likely indicates the presence of a sexual condition and the need for a more formal diagnosis from a trained therapist.

Some Behaviors/Feelings Commonly Exhibited by Sex Addicts Include:

  • Engaging in internet sexual activity at the expense of real world commitments
  • Regularly buying pornography
  • Buying sex or sexual services
  • Paying for pornography over the internet
  • Engaging in online sexual relationships
  • Making an attempt to change or cut down on a certain type of sexual activity and failing to carry through
  • Spending a lot more time engaging in sexual behaviors than you had planned on
  • Engaging in increasingly extreme sexual behaviors
  • Feeling preoccupied with sex. Thinking about it in advance and remembering it afterwards
  • Engaging in sexual fantasies online that are very taboo or illegal in the real world
  • Feeling irritable when unable to spend time online engaged in sexual activity
  • Engaging in sadomasochism
  • Engaging in sexual activity with minors
  • Feeling depressed after sexual activity
  • Engaging in sexual behaviors that if "found out" would cause you or your family significant troubles/problems/embarrassment
  • Continuing to engage in problematic sexual behaviors even after suffering real world consequences from them

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