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Unlike alcohol or drugs, there is no formal diagnosis of sex addiction in the diagnosis of the American Psychiatric Association Statistical Manual (DSM IV). According to Chester Schmidt, chairman of the DSM-IV sexual Disorder Working Group, "there is no scientific data to support a concept of sexual behavior can be considered addictive. (1) "Schmidt believes that what is called addiction to sex is more likely a symptom of other psychological problems like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder or bipolar disorder.
According to Benoit Denizet-Lewis (2), "The believers in a sex-addiction diagnosis point that for many years, doctors and psychiatrists similarly dismissed alcoholism, denying that it is a serious problem in itself, not merely a symptom of something else. "Many of the professionals in the field of sexual addiction, the hope that the DSM V, due out in 2012, will include expanded options for diagnosis of addiction process, including sex, gambling, spending, eating and / or addictions religion. According to Elizabeth Hartney, a working group of professionals has recently suggested the criteria diagnostics that can be considered for the next edition of the handbook to be published in 2012. "
According to John M. Grohol, Psy.D. (3) "What is surprising and somewhat disturbing, however, is seeing all the professional societies as the Society for the Promotion of Sexual Health arise around a disorder that is not even officially recognized as such. And although no agreed clinical criteria for addiction to sex, the Company estimates that 3 to 5% of Americans have it. "According to the Mayo Clinic, sex addiction is estimated to affect 3 to 6 per cent of adults in the United States.
Because sex is a normal part of human functioning, is difficult and in a scientific challenge to compare sexual addictions to chemical addictions. Both "normal" or pathological (compulsive) sexual patterns are open to diverse and often contested definitions. Clearly, factors such as personality, psychopathology, gender differences, sexual preferences, cultural differences, socio-economic, and other "filters" There is a clear consensus on the definition sexual addiction is much more difficult. To complicate matters even more complicated is the fact that the theme of sexual deviance and / or sexual pathology remains one of the most taboo topic in our society. People with sexual addiction are often taunted and severe trial, while others suffer from alcohol or other drugs and really accepted addictions, gambling, ie, spending, more social acceptance.
Another irony is that the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill Wilson, was considered a sex addict. According to biographers and historians of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill Wilson, was not only an alcoholic, but also was a sex addict. Wilson was a flirt, had multiple affairs, and according to the biographer, (4 Susan Cheever), "had an inability to regulate their behavior with women "and that" often accused of groping and unwanted groping, "However, he was married to the same woman for 53 years.
To Sex addiction is formally included in the DSM V, now derive a "diagnosis" through specially designed assessment protocols for this addiction. These protocols are provided by specially trained and qualified mental health professionals. Doctors, like me, use design tools All that are designed to gather information needed for a diagnostic conclusion. The information gathered during the assessment included: history sexual / drug and alcohol history, psychosocial assessment, mental health history and other relevant information. It also includes an assessment of the interviews with customers, partners involved, ie spouse or partner, and if possible, mental health providers that have or are serving the person being evaluated.
According to data collected by Patrick Carnes, many sex addicts have other addictions. For example, in the investigation of Meat, of individuals who were diagnosed with an addiction to sex, 42% were dependent on chemicals, 38% had an eating disorder, 28% of workers compulsive (workaholics), players spend 26% were compulsive, and 5% required. Dismissing cross addiction is an important component of the assessment. Due the high prevalence of addictions Cross, the assessor of sex addiction should have a general background in the field of addictions.
When an addiction of the Cross is present, it is important to identify addiction that requires attention first. This is crucial when it is determined that the sex addict is addicted too to a drug / alcohol. In these cases, (detoxification detoxification) of drugs, medical services can apply to ensure that the client's physical health not compromised. The experience of physical withdrawals potentially can create health risks.
Like many professionals and addicted to sex knows that despite a formal recognition of this disorder is very real indeed. Lets the battle of intellectuals what is and what is not a diagnosis. Meanwhile, you can provide much needed services to people suffering from this disorder.
(1) (http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/09/30/is-sexual-addiction-real/)
(2) www.americaanonymous.com
(3) psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/09/30/is-sexual-addiction-real
(4) http://nymag.com/nymetro/arts/books/reviews/n_9880/
(5) http://edition.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/09/05/sex.addiction/index.html
(6) http://addictions.about.com/od/sexaddiction/a/sexaddiction.htm
About the Author:
Ross A. Rosenberg, M.Ed. L.C.P.C.
Psychotherapist
Arbor Counseling Center
(847) 913-9493 ext 122
Rossr61@comcast.net
www.rossrosenbergtherapist.com
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Is Sex Addiction Real?
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