In this study, for the first time, the relationship between adult ADHD and compulsive sexual behavior is examined. One hundred and fifty five adults were diagnosed by the DSM IV as suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder. All subjects filled out a questionnaire which classified each of them on a four-sequence scale: Attention (length of the attention span, selective and divided attention), Organization (in space and in time, long term memory, planning and decision making), Impulsivity and Need for Excitement (novelty seeking, tendency to addiction). Out of the 155 subjects, 72 males and females (47%) were diagnosed as suffering from compulsive sexual behavior (sexual addiction).
The subjects were classified as suffering from Paraphilic compulsive sexual behavior and as suffering from Nonparaphilic compulsive sexual behavior. In addition, they were classified according to their sexual map (object selection and method of stimulation). Different kids of addictions were diagnosed: compulsive masturbation, virtual sex (cibersex), sexual massage, voyeurism, exhibitionism, sexual harassment, sexual promiscuity and prostitution. The high proportion of compulsive sexual behavior could be explained by the neuropsychological model of ADHD. It is known that in ADHD there is a genetic variability in the gene encoding dopamine receptor (D4), causing insufficient activity of the frontal lobe and deficient inhibitory activity, leading to over activity of the Ventral Tegmental Area. The result is over activity of the reward system - the seeking system (mostly related to dopamine) which interacts with the lust system (mostly related to endorphins), thus showing over activity of the seeking system (thrill-seeking syndrome) usually related to compulsive sexual seeking. This results in high rate of compulsive sexual behavior, in addition to the drug addiction and impulse control problems among the ADD population. The finding of an association between ADD and compulsive sexual behavior changes the diagnostic as well as the therapeutic approaches.
Conflict of Interest: None disclosed
Financial Support/Funding: None disclosed
Recorded in Sydney, Australia, April 2007
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